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      Chelsea stars’ two nicknames for Graham Potter revealed as it emerges dressing-room was ‘confused’ by team selections

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      CHELSEA players came up with a pair of nicknames for beleaguered boss Graham Potter after they were confused by his tactics.That’s according to The Athletic, who say the sacked Blues boss was mocked behind his back by disgruntled stars.
      Graham Potter lost more league games as Chelsea boss than he managed to win
      It is reported a number of Chelsea players were calling the former Brighton manager “Harry” and “Hogwarts”, after his wizarding namesake.
      The 47-year-old manager was said to have left out Trevoh Chalonah for Saturday’s defeat against Aston Villa, despite having lengthy discussions with the defender about his role in the game.
      There was also reportedly bemusement around the handling of Hakim Ziyech.
      The Moroccan international wanted to leave Stamford Bridge in January due to a lack of game time, but was then back in the starting XI after the World Cup.
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      Potter was sacked after just seven months in charge of the Blues despite massive backing from the owner Todd Boehly in the January transfer window.
      The London club spent £330million after the World Cup giving them a hugely inflated squad.
      It has even been claimed that the increased squad size even forced a number of players to have to change in the corridor as there was not enough space in the dressing room.
      Chelsea remain in the bottom half of the Premier League table as they search for a new manager for the remainder of the season.
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      They played out a soulless 0-0 draw with Liverpool on Tuesday night and will face Wolves away on Saturday.
      Despite their terrible league form they are still in with a chance of silverware with a Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid on the horizon. More

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      Crazy N’Golo Kante stat shows shambolic situation at Chelsea after he is named in Bruno Saltor’s team to face Liverpool

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      A STARTLING N’Golo Kante stat has brought into focus the chaos at Chelsea over the past eight months.The French midfielder, 32, makes his first Premier League start since August on Tuesday night when the Blues host Liverpool at Stamford Bridge.
      N’Golo Kante starts for Chelsea against Liverpool on Tuesday eveningCredit: AFP
      Follow live updates of Chelsea vs Liverpool via SunSport’s blog
      The game comes just 48 hours after manager Graham Potter was sacked, with interim boss Bruno Saltor taking charge.
      And the change means Kante will now start his third Premier League home game of the season under a THIRD different manager.
      His first came under Thomas Tuchel in a 2-2 draw with Tottenham in August.
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      He was then brought on as a substitute under Potter in their 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa at the weekend.
      And now he will return from the start for the first time in nearly eight months as Saltor assumes caretaker charge.
      Reacting to the incredible stat on social media, one person said: “Three home games total this year for him with three different managers is wild to think about.”
      Another added: “Kante’s head must be fried. The last time he started a game was two managers ago 😭😭😭😭😭.”
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      A third replied: “Two managers and 6582 new signings ago 😭.”
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      And a fourth responded: “His fourth one could be under a different manager too 😭😭😭.”
      Kante has been sidelined for most of the campaign with a hamstring injury.
      He has made just three appearances for Chelsea this season and also missed France’s World Cup in Qatar.
      But he lines up alongside Enzo Fernandez and Mateo Kovacic in the Blues midfield against Liverpool as Kante looks to help his side to a first Premier League win in three games. More

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      Graham Potter being lined up by ANOTHER Premier League team to replace boss after axed Chelsea chief rejects Leicester

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      GRAHAM POTTER is on the radar of ANOTHER Premier League team following his Chelsea axe, according to reports. The former Brighton boss was booted out of Stamford Bridge after eight months on Sunday having failed to revive the club from their poor start to the season.
      It was a torrid few months for Potter who only lasted 31 games in west LondonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      The 47-year-old was immediately offered a route back into football as Leicester City, who sacked Brendan Rodgers hours before Chelsea made their move, turned to him.
      But Potter rejected the opportunity as he opted to spend some time away from football.
      He is unlikely to be short of offers in the summer with another Premier League club being linked to him.
      The Telegraph report he could be of interest to relegation-threatened West Ham.
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      The Hammers are one of only nine top-flight clubs who have not switched managers this season but David Moyes’ future is far from certain.
      West Ham have been underwhelming this campaign and have struggled for goals going forward.

      The report claims Potter would “certainly” be among the London club’s candidates to succeed the Scotsman if he does depart.
      Meanwhile, Leicester may reportedly opt to try Potter again in the summer once the dust from his Chelsea departure has settled, while Crystal Palace may also be in need of a coach when Roy Hodgson leaves again at the end of the season.
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      Chelsea will also be looking to press on with their managerial change with several managers linked to the role.
      Former Bayern Munich boss Julian Nagelsmann remains the favourite for many but is believed to be keen on taking time out of the game.
      Ex-Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino, the only other manager Chelsea interviewed before appointing Potter, is also believed to be among the candidates.
      The club will reportedly try and interview at least five candidates before deciding on a successor, with sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley leading the hunt. More

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      Chelsea ready to splash £60m to beat Prem rivals to Atalanta wonderkid, and Man Utd fan, Rasmus Hojlund, 20

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      CHELSEA are leading the race to sign Atalanta star Rasmus Hojlund, according to reports.The striker has caught the attention of several high-profile European clubs since arriving in Serie A last summer.
      Rasmus Hojlund has been dubbed the ‘next Erling Haaland’Credit: Getty
      Chelsea have ramped up their interest in Hojlung, 20, and are set to make a move this summer.
      Owner Todd Boehly appears to be a fan of the youngster and the club have already begun to work on his transfer.
      Atalanta chairman Antonio Percassi was invited to Stamford Bridge to watch Chelsea beat Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League, report the Daily Mail.
      And it is believed the two parties discussed the possibility of Hojlund joining the Blues this summer.
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      Atalanta are reportedly demanding £60million for the Denmark international, who has established himself as one of the most promising young players in Italy.
      He has scored eight goals in 26 games for Atalanta and caught the eye of Arsenal and Real Madrid.
      Manchester United are also said to be monitoring Hojlund, who is a self-confessed United fan.
      He could be ready for his next move too as reports claim he is set to appoint a new agent in the summer.
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      The 6ft3 hitman has been dubbed the next Erling Haaland and announced himself on the international stage last month with five goals in his first two starts for Denmark.
      United are prioritising a move for a striker this summer with Harry Kane and Victor Osimhen believed to be at the top of their wishlist. More

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      Chelsea interim manager Bruno Saltor has NEVER picked a starting XI in his football career as he steps in for Potter

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      TODD BOEHLY has entrusted Chelsea’s crumbling season and £600 million worth of new players to a man who has never picked a team before.First-team coach Bruno Saltor has been catapulted into the managerial hot seat in the wake of Graham Potter’s sacking and faces dugout titan Jurgen Klopp on his debut tomorrow night.
      Bruno Saltor has taken charge of Chelsea following Graham Potter’s sackingCredit: Getty
      Potter was axed after the defeat to Aston VillaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Blues chairman Boehly placed backroom man Saltor in temporary charge and the Spanish rookie admits he is yet to face the challenge of selecting a starting XI.
      Saltor, 42, said: “Tomorrow is going to be the first time. 
      “I have been coaching for four years and have been coaching under Graham.
      “Obviously, he has been the manager and he always had the last word. It’s quite clear that it’s not been the case.
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      “I feel good. It is my duty. A duty and a responsibility. I am at a really important club and I want to try my best.”
      Potter was axed on Sunday evening, barely six months into a five-year contract following a run of just four wins from 16 games and with Chelsea sinking into the bottom half of the Premier League table at the weekend.
      Right-hand man Billy Reid followed Potter out of the door but the rest of the staff are staying on.
      Chelsea are starting the search for a replacement but have yet to make contact with any candidates who include former Bayern Munich boss Julian Nagelsmann and Fulham boss Marco Silva.
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      Saltor followed Potter to Chelsea from Brighton when he quit last September to head up a supposed new era under new American owners. 
      The one-time Brighton defender could fill in until the end of the season with Chelsea falling away in the league, out of both domestic cups yet in the last eight of the Champions League.
      Saltor insists his working relationship and friendship with Potter is intact despite the upheaval of the last 36 hours. 
      He also admits the seismic decision to step in and replace his sacked pal wrecked his Sunday.
      Saltor said: “I didn’t sleep a lot because it is a new situation trying to think. With a lot of things to consider, but I will sleep tonight.
      “It has been really difficult, really difficult at every single level, especially emotional. You have to deal with the players and it is hard. The relationship with Graham and Billy, it is difficult to deal with that and how it affects the families. A really difficult 24 hours.
      “The players will be sad because they know the level of human being that Graham is. They will take responsibility as they have done since day one. I just expect them to be next to us and supportive.
      “I spoke to the owners. They’ve been very supportive. What I’m focused on is tomorrow, training today, tomorrow’s game then after that, step by step.
      “It is a massive challenge. I have been coaching for just four years but I have been involved in football for 20 years. I started really early and have a lot of experience in the changing room. 
      “What I will try to do is help the players, guide the players because I have been in this situation before. Then I think I have got that feeling that I can help, especially young players.
      “Pure admiration towards Jurgen. I cannot say anything that everyone doesn’t know. Obviously they are going through a tough season as well but they’ve got top players and we’re expecting a really aggressive game, high intensity and we need to be ready.
      “I’ve got an amazing relationship and pure admiration towards Graham. 
      “The job of the players is to perform well and try their best in every single training session, in every single game. Tomorrow they are going to try their best and that’s what we expect of them. 
      Oddly, Chelsea revealed that axed Potter will ‘collaborate to facilitate a smooth transition’.
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      Saltor said: “I am here because Graham and the club thought it was the right step and I’m trying to help the club and trying to be the most professional I can.
      “The responsibility is all of us. We are responsible and we have to keep it positive, try to focus on the next game.” More

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      Brendan Rodgers is ‘the one’ for Chelsea, he’d be a much better fit than Nagelsmann says Premier League legend

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      ARSENAL legend Paul Merson believes Brendan Rodgers is the perfect man to take over at Chelsea.The Blues sacked Graham Potter on Sunday evening, just hours after Rodgers’ four-year stint at the King Power Stadium was brought to an end.
      Paul Merson believes Brendan Rodgers would be ideal for the Chelsea jobCredit: Reuters
      Julian Nagelsmann has also been linked with a move to ChelseaCredit: Getty
      A host of names are being linked with the Chelsea job including ex-Bayern Munich head coach Julian Nagelsmann, Spurs hero Mauricio Pochettino, and Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi.
      But Gunners icon Merson feels Rodgers – who won Leicester the first FA Cup in their history two years ago – is the ideal candidate.
      Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: “I would like to see Brendan Rodgers in at Chelsea. Either Rodgers or Mauricio Pochettino, who would have to get off to a flyer at Stamford Bridge given his previous allegiances with Tottenham. If he lost his first two games, there would be mayhem.
      “I’m a big Brendan Rodgers fan. Unfortunately, things have gone horribly wrong at Leicester.
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      “In football it all comes down to timing, and let’s be honest, if Leicester were where Brighton are now, everyone would be calling for Rodgers to go to Chelsea.
      “Rodgers ticks every box; he plays on the front foot, he started his coaching career at Chelsea and knows the club.
      “But the timing of the Chelsea job coming up this time hasn’t worked in his favour, with him getting the sack at Leicester four hours before Potter was relieved of his duties.
      “Chelsea fans will question why they should turn to a manager who has just been sacked by Leicester, but if you look at the all-round picture, Rodgers is a good manager who has worked at top clubs like Liverpool and Celtic, won trophies at Leicester and put them on the brink of Champions League qualification. I just think Rodgers is the one.”
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      Merson also took aim at Potter following his dismal seven-month stint at Stamford Bridge.
      The former Brighton boss arrived at Chelsea with the club in sixth place following Thomas Tuchel’s departure.
      But since then they have dropped to 11th, despite shelling out another £300millon in the January transfer window.
      He added: “The writing was on the wall for Graham Potter after the defeat to Aston Villa. I’m a big fan of Potter, but even I lost patience with him on Saturday.
      “He had the best right wing-back in the world playing at right centre-back [Reece James]. People talk about footballing visions but, for me, when you open your eyes you should see common sense, and that means playing your best players in their best positions.
      “Playing Aston Villa at home, Chelsea have to go and take the game to them, but it was like Potter’s first game in charge and he had never seen them play before.
      “The sacking had to come; this is Chelsea. When Potter first got the job he said there were a lot of positives after a defeat. You may be able to say that at Brighton, but when Chelsea Football Club lose at home there are no positives.
      “After Chelsea lost to Aston Villa he was at it again, saying there were a lot of positives in the game. I’m afraid you just can’t say that as Chelsea manager.”
      Merson has tipped Rodgers to succeed Graham PotterCredit: Getty More

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      How Chelsea could line up under John Terry if he replaces Graham Potter including Declan Rice transfer and Mount back

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      DECLAN RICE and Mason Mount could be reunited if John Terry takes over as Chelsea manager.Graham Potter was sacked on Sunday evening after a nightmare seven months in charge.
      Declan Rice and Mason Mount could be reunited at ChelseaCredit: Getty
      John Terry mentored Rice as a youngsterCredit: Instagram @johnterry.26

      The bookies made Julian Nagelsmann the early favourite to replace him at Stamford Bridge, weeks after leaving Bayern Munich.
      But SunSport revealed how Luis Enrique is the shock frontrunner.
      However, Terry revealed he could be tempted to make a return to coaching to take over.
      He told Stephen Hendry: “I’m done from a managerial point of view.
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      “The only job I’d come out of retirement for would be the Chelsea job, to be involved in some capacity in the first team.”
      But how would the Blues line up if their captain, leader, legend JT was the new manager?
      Kepa Arrizabalaga looks on course to remain as Chelsea’s No1 for the long term.
      However, Edouard Mendy helped the club win the Champions League so maybe a new manager may be willing to give him another go again.
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      Another option could see Chelsea try and sign Emi Martinez – the World Cup-winning Argentina goalkeeper who has thrived at Aston Villa.
      Reece James is the present and the future at right-back for Chelsea with Wesley Fofana at centre-back.
      Ben Chilwell seems to be the left-back – but could be sold to balance the books, giving Marc Cucurella the chance to prove himself.
      The other centre-back spot could go to Benoit Badiashile.
      But ex-England defender Terry may try and lure Ezri Konsa to Stamford Bridge after coaching him at Villa.
      In midfield, Terry will surely prioritise keeping Mount in the team.
      They both came through the Chelsea academy to win the Champions League.
      Mount’s contract enters the final 12 months this summer as Manchester United and Liverpool circle – but Terry will be desperate to get the best out of him.

      Terry confirmed he would be open to the Blues gigCredit: Rex
      And Mount could be joined by best pal Rice in midfield.
      Rice was released by Chelsea aged 14 before going to West Ham – now the Hammers skipper looks ready to leave.
      Arsenal are in pole position at the moment but JT mentored Rice when he was younger, even when the midfielder left Chelsea.
      Record-signing Enzo Fernandez is going nowhere after his £106million transfer so completes the midfield.
      However, other options for the midfield roles include another academy graduate in Conor Gallagher as well as Villa ace John McGinn – who scored in Potter’s final game on Saturday.
      In attack, Chelsea have an abundance of attackers but Noni Madueke and Raheem Sterling could be the first-choice wingers providing youth and experience with in-form Villa hitman Ollie Watkins a possible new transfer up front.
      Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang could come back in to the fold while Mykahilo Mudryk will be keen to justify his big price tag.
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      And a final option could be Romelu Lukaku.
      The Belgian is currently on loan at Inter Milan but the £97m man was on the books during his first spell when Terry was still captain and could be the solution.
      Ollie Watkins and John McGinn could both link up with Terry againCredit: Reuters
      Romelu Lukaku and Terry played together in the same Chelsea teamCredit: AFP More

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      Chelsea snap-up 15-year-old wonderkid Kendry Paez for £17.5m transfer fee… but he can’t join for THREE YEARS

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      CHELSEA are set to snap-up 15-year-old star Kendry Paez, but he can’t join for the club for three years, according to reports.The deal for the wonderkid is worth a supposed £17.5million.
      Kendry Paez is set to join ChelseaCredit: @kendrypaez.10
      And he can only join the club in 2025, when he turns 18-years-old.
      Chelsea have supposedly been in talks with the player since February, claims journalist Fabrizio Romano.
      Paez is an attacking midfielder and one of the most highly-rated young talents in South America.
      Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund were both keen on him as well as Chelsea.
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      He currently plays for Independiente del Valle in his homeland of Ecuador.
      Despite his young age, Paez has played in the first-team three times, scoring one goal.
      He is not the first young player that Chelsea have spent big money on.
      The Blues secured the signing of Brazil Under-20s captain Andrey Santos in the summer for £18million.
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      The central midfielder, 18, is set to join from Vasco da Gama when a work permit is cleared.
      Meanwhile, Chelsea are focused on appointing a new manager after the sacking of Graham Potter.
      The likes of Luis Enrique, Maurcio Pochettino and Julian Nagelsmann have been linked. More