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      Chelsea fans exclaim ‘we’re FREE’ as Graham Potter’s six-months of hell ends with Blues in Prem’s bottom half

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      CHELSEA supporters have expressed their joy and declared the club “free” after Graham Potter was axed.Potter was hired on a five-year deal worth £12m-a-year after Champions League-winning manager Thomas Tuchel was sacked following a poor start to the season.
      Chelsea have sacked Graham Potter after just six months in chargeCredit: PA
      Blues supporters have been celebrating his exit on TwitterCredit: EPA
      However, ex-Brighton boss Potter has been unable to turn the club’s Chelsea’s fortunes around with the Blues sliding to 11th in the top-flight after their 2-0 home defeat to Aston Villa on Saturday.
      And the Blues announced that they had fired the 47-year-old on Sunday evening after holding crunch talks with owner Todd Boehly earlier at Cobham.
      Blues fans were over the moon at Potter being relieved of his duties, with one tweeting: “Finally we are free.”
      Another said: “Congratulations to us all.”
      READ MORE ON CHELSEA
      And another said: “Am I dreaming? Did they finally do this? Love it.”
      One chimed in: “Goodbye and good riddance as well as thanks for finally listening to the supporters.”
      Potter leaves Chelsea with the WORST record of any Blues manager in the Premier League era, being dismissed after a horror run.
      The former Brighton boss leaves Stamford Bridge with the worst points-per-game record of Blues managers who have managed more than 20 games – picking up an average of 1.27 points per game.
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      Potter won seven of his 22 league matches in charge of the club, drew seven and lost eight.
      That translated to the Blues collecting a mere 28 points from an available 66.
      Former Spurs and PSG boss Mauricio Pochettino is one of the favourites for the Chelsea job now, with Julian Nagelsmann also available after his Bayern Munich sacking – himself replaced by ex-Blues man Thomas Tuchel.
      Pochettino, 50, remains a free agent having been sacked by Paris Saint-Germain in June 2022 despite leading them to the French title.
      Other candidates include former Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane, former Spain manager Luis Enrique, Eintracht Frankfurt’s Oliver Glasner, and even two-time former Blues boss Jose Mourinho.
      And some even believe they have a replacement already lined-up in the Special one – who is currently in charge of Roma.
      One wrote: “I think I speak for all chelsea fans when I say we want Mourinho back.”
      While another added: “Jose Mourinho to Chelsea please!”
      Some supporters want Jose Mourinho to return to the clubCredit: EPA More

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      Chelsea statement in full as Graham Potter sacked after just six months in charge with club languishing 11th in Prem

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      CHELSEA released a comprehensive statement after confirming the sacking of Graham Potter. Potter was only hired in September in replace of Champions League winner Thomas Tuchel.
      Graham Potter has been sacked by ChelseaCredit: Reuters
      But the ex-Brighton boss lasted just six months, leaving the Blues languishing 11th in the Premier League and on a dismal run.
      Potter’s departure was announced by the club in a 199-word statement with Bruno Saltor to take charge in an interim role.
      It read: “Chelsea FC has announced that Graham Potter has departed the club.
      “Graham has agreed to collaborate with the Club to facilitate a smooth transition.
      READ MORE on chelsea
      “In his time with the club, Graham has taken us to the quarter final of the Champions League, where we will face Real Madrid.
      “Chelsea would like to thank Graham for all his efforts and contribution and wish him well for the future.”
      Co-controlling owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali said: “On behalf of everyone at the club, we want to thank Graham sincerely for his contribution to Chelsea.
      “We have the highest degree of respect for Graham as a coach and as a person.
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      “He has always conducted himself with professionalism and integrity and we are all disappointed in this outcome.
      “Along with our incredible fans, we will all be getting behind Bruno and the team as we focus on the rest of the season.
      “We have 10 Premier League games remaining and a Champions League quarter final ahead.
      “We will put every effort and commitment into every one of those games so that we can end the season on a high.”
      Chelsea sunk to a 2-0 defeat at home to Aston Villa on Saturday, their TENTH loss of the season.
      And despite the Stamford Bridge board showing faith to Potter and his project in the past – to the tune of over £600million in the transfer marker – enough proved enough.
      Julian Nagelsmann – sacked by Bayern Munich and replaced by Tuchel – is an early frontrunner to take over despite interest from Tottenham.
      Meanwhile former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino is another alternative alongside Real Madrid legend Zinedine Zidane.
      Graham Potter leaves Chelsea in 11th placeCredit: PA More

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      Seven bosses in race to replace sacked Graham Potter at Chelsea, including shock Mauricio Pochettino swoop

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      CHELSEA are now on the hunt for their third manager under Todd Boehly after Graham Potter was given the boot. Potter only left Brighton in September to replace Champions League-winner Thomas Tuchel.
      Graham Potter has been sacked by ChelseaCredit: Alamy
      But after a dismal runs of performances, that has left Chelsea in 11th, Boehly decided to give Potter his marching orders.
      Owners Boehly and Behdad Eghbali said: “On behalf of everyone at the club, we want to thank Graham sincerely for his contribution to Chelsea.
      “We have the highest degree of respect for Graham as a coach and as a person.
      “He has always conducted himself with professionalism and integrity and we are all disappointed in this outcome.
      READ MORE ON CHELSEA
      “Along with our incredible fans, we will all be getting behind Bruno and the team as we focus on the rest of the season.
      “We have 10 Premier League games remaining and a Champions League quarter final ahead.
      “We will put every effort and commitment into every one of those games so that we can end the season on a high.”
      It is now back to the drawing board for American billionaire Boehly, who is set to take his time to weigh up his options for Potter’s replacement.
      Most read in Football
      Here, SunSport runs down seven options, including some familiar faces.
      Julian Nagelsmann
      The German is without a job having been surprisingly sacked by Bayern Munich and replaced by ex-Blues boss Tuchel.
      Nagelsmann made his name at RB Leipzig and was hired by Bayern after Hansi Flick left to take over at Germany.
      The young manager won the Bundesliga last season but was sacked this month due to off-field dillemas.
      Nagelsmann is a frontrunner to take over at Chelsea, with the Stamford Bridge board said to be admirers.
      Julian Nagelsmann was sacked by Bayern MunichCredit: PA
      Mauricio Pochettino
      Pochettino is still a free agent having left PSG last year, despite winning the league title in France.
      The Argentine was linked with the Chelsea job after Tuchel’s sacking and was believed to be interested in a return to London.
      Although after Antonio Conte’s exit from Tottenham, Pochettino may prefer a move back to the north of the capital.
      It means Boehly could be forced to act fast if he prefers to make a move for Pochettino.
      Mauricio Pochettino is linked with both the Spurs and Chelsea jobCredit: AP
      Oliver Glasner
      Glasner took Eintracht Frankfurt to Europa League glory in 2022 and has been on the Premier League clubs’ radar since.
      And Chelsea are believed to be among those to rate the Austrian, reportedly shortlisting him as a Potter replacement as early as January.
      But again, they face competition with Spurs, who have made contact with Glasner to fill the void left by Conte.
      Despite Glasner’s promise, he has less experience in the top flight as other options on the table for Chelsea.
      Oliver Glasner is said to be admired by the Chelsea boardCredit: EPA
      Brendan Rodgers
      The Northern Irishman spent two years at Chelsea managing their reserves from 2006-2008 and has long been linked with taking over at Stamford Bridge.
      Rodgers has now been sacked by Leicester with the Foxes second from bottom and in a real relegation scrap.
      It leaves the former Celtic manager – who won two Premiership titles in Scotland – back on the managerial market.
      But despite his experience in English football, Rodgers has endured a horror run in recent times.
      Leicester sacked Brendan RodgersCredit: Getty

      Jose Mourinho
      Mourinho is a legend at Chelsea following his two stints, where he won three league titles.
      He is now at Roma, chasing Champions League qualification in his second season in Italy.
      Mourinho is understood to have been open to a THIRD Chelsea spell in the past.
      But his time at Manchester United and Spurs may have caused friction with fans while he has voiced his content at Roma in the past.
      Jose Mourinho has been content at RomaCredit: EPA
      Zinedine Zidane
      The Frenchman was linked with Chelsea before Frank Lampard’s hiring in 2019 and when the Blues icon was sacked in 2021.
      Zidane has had two stints managing Real Madrid, winning three Champions League trophies and two LaLiga titles.
      But after leaving once more two years ago, the 1998 World Cup winner is yet to take up another role.
      It has been suggested in the past that Zidane is holding out for the France role, despite FFF chief Le Graet ruling it out in the past.
      Zinedine Zidane has been linked with the France jobCredit: Splash
      Luis Enrique
      Enrique won two LaLiga titles and a Champions League trophy during his three years with Barca.
      But he turned to international management, having two runs at the Spain job.
      But following elimination in the round of 16 during the winter World Cup, Enrique left his post.
      Read More on The Sun
      The ex-midfielder – who played for both Real Madrid and Barca – has been linked with Chelsea ever since.
      Luis Enrique has been linked with the Chelsea jobCredit: EPA More

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      Graham Potter sacked LIVE – Julian Nagelsmann bookies’ FAVOURITE for Chelsea job, Todd Boehly latest

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      GRAHAM POTTER has been sacked as Chelsea manager.Blues owner Todd Boehly has wielded the axe after a horror run of form despite spending over £330m.
      Potter moved from Brighton to Chelsea to take up the role last September, replacing Thomas Tuchel.
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      Follow ALL of the latest reaction below…
      Exclusive – Chelsea no rush for new boss
      Chelsea are in no rush to appoint a new manager.
      Julian Nagelsmann is the early favourite for the Stamford Bridge hotseat after the Blues sacked Graham Potter on Sunday.
      But SunSport understands owner Todd Boehly is preparing for a long and thorough search for a new boss after seeing his first appointment flop inside seven months.
      The Blues sacked Graham Potter after just seven months in charge and £330million spent in the January transfer window on Sunday.
      Potter’s unwanted record
      Graham Potter leaves Chelsea with the joint-worst record of any manager in the club’s history during the Premier League era.
      Potter lasted just six months in charge having replaced Champions League winner Thomas Tuchel last September.
      Potter departs having won just SEVEN of his 22 league games in charge, drawing the same amount of times while losing eight.
      His last came on Saturday at home to Aston Villa, with the 2-0 defeat enough to seal his fait.
      With a 1.27 points per game rate, only Glenn Hoddle faired as badly as Potter, leaving with the same PPG.
      Remarkable Rodgers stat
      SUNDAY marked the first time in eight years that TWO Premier League managers lost their jobs on the same day.
      And remarkably Brendan Rodgers was involved in both.
      Rodgers and Potter are the first Premier League managers to lose their job on the same day mid-season since 4 October, 2015.
      Amazingly, Rodgers had been sacked on that day too by Liverpool while Dick Advocaat resigned from Sunderland.
      The Reds got rid of Rodgers, who had led them to a second-placed finish in 2014, after three and a half years in charge after dropping down to tenth in the table.
      Dutchman Advocaat kept Sunderland up the year prior and was declared a hero on Wearside but he walked away after failing to pick up a top-flight win in the first two months of the following campaign.
      Credit: Reuters
      What Chelsea’s statement said
      Chelsea announced Potter’s sacking in a statement on their website shortly after 8pm tonight.
      It read: “Chelsea FC has announced that Graham Potter has departed the club.
      “Graham has agreed to collaborate with the Club to facilitate a smooth transition.
      “In his time with the club, Graham has taken us to the quarter final of the Champions League, where we will face Real Madrid. Chelsea would like to thank Graham for all his efforts and contribution and wish him well for the future.”
      Bruno Saltor taking the reins
      Bruno Saltor will take interim charge of Chelsea after Graham Potter’s sacking.
      Saltor played under Potter at Brighton before joining him on the coaching staff at Chelsea.
      Credit: Getty
      Gary Lineker tweets
      Gary Lineker commented: “Another one bites the dust. Graham Potter the latest to be fired.”
      Chelsea sunk to a 2-0 defeat at home to Aston Villa on Saturday, their TENTH loss of the season.
      And despite the Stamford Bridge board showing faith to Potter and his project in the past, enough proved enough.

      Carragher reaction
      Jamie Carragher joined fans in trolling Todd Boehly after Graham Potter was sacked – with Chelsea called “the worst run club in world football.”
      Potter was only hired in September in replace of Champions League winner Thomas Tuchel.
      And the comparisons between ex-Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich and Todd Boehly were quickly made by fans online.
      Liverpool legend Carragher tweeted: “Todd said he would be different to Roman.
      “I feel for Graham Potter, but it was inevitable. You don’t change Tuchel for Potter. Ridiculous decision to start with.”
      Credit: Alamy
      More on Nagelsmann
      Julian Nagelsmann made his name at RB Leipzig and was hired by Bayern after Hansi Flick left to take over at Germany.
      The young manager won the Bundesliga last season but was sacked this month due to off-field dillemas.
      Nagelsmann is a frontrunner to take over at Chelsea, with the Stamford Bridge board said to be admirers.
      Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      Todd Boehly’s statement
      Chelsea owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali said: “On behalf of everyone at the club, we want to thank Graham sincerely for his contribution to Chelsea.
      “We have the highest degree of respect for Graham as a coach and as a person. He has always conducted himself with professionalism and integrity and we are all disappointed in this outcome.
      “Along with our incredible fans, we will all be getting behind Bruno and the team as we focus on the rest of the season. We have 10 Premier League games remaining and a Champions League quarter final ahead. We will put every effort and commitment into every one of those games so that we can end the season on a high.”
      Next manager odds
      Julian Nagelsmann is favourite for the Chelsea job following the departure of Graham Potter.
      That’s according to bookmakers Betfair, who believe Nagelsmann is the clear frontrunner for the vacant position having priced him at 10/11 to succeed Potter at Stamford Bridge.

      Julian Nagelsmann – 10/11
      Mauricio Pochettino – 7/2
      Zinedine Zidane – 6/1
      Pep Guardiola – 17/2
      Oliver Glasner – 10/1
      Ruben Amorim – 10/1
      Luis Enrique – 11/1
      Diego Simeone – 12/1
      Brendan Rodgers – 12/1
      Thomas Frank – 12/1
      Jose Mourinho – 14/1

      Talks took place today
      SunSport revealed this evening that Blues chief Todd Boehly had held crunch talks with Potter at the club’s Cobham training ground on Sunday afternoon.
      And the American ultimately decided to wield the axe for the second time this season as the club is currently toiling in 11th place in the Prem table.
      Julian Nagelsmann is the favourite
      The German is without a job having been surprisingly sacked by Bayern Munich and replaced by ex-Blues boss Tuchel.
      Nagelsmann made his name at RB Leipzig and was hired by Bayern after Hansi Flick left to take over at Germany.
      The young manager won the Bundesliga last season but was sacked this month due to off-field dillemas.
      Nagelsmann is a frontrunner to take over at Chelsea, with the Stamford Bridge board said to be admirers.
      Credit: PA
      Chelsea’s latest mangerial hunt
      Chelsea now face a hunt for a new manager, just a few months after sacking Thomas Tuchel, who led the Blues to the Champions League in 2021.
      Potter’s departure leaves Chelsea in chaos, less than a year after the takeover.
      The next manager is a huge appointment for the new owners.
      £330m investment
      Toddy Boehly and his fellow investors splashed £330m on new signings in January, taking their total spending well clear of £600m.
      Graham Potter however struggled to find the right blend for the new recruits including £107m star Enzo Fernandez and £88m winger Mykhailo Mudryk.
      Although they were understood to be backing Potter during a difficult transition period, they did want to see more bang for their buck.
      Bruno Saltor in charge
      Bruno Saltor will take interim charge of Chelsea after Graham Potter’s sacking.
      Saltor played under Potter at Brighton before joining him on the coaching staff at Chelsea.
      Credit: Getty
      Todd Boehly breaks silence
      Co-controlling owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali added: “On behalf of everyone at the club, we want to thank Graham sincerely for his contribution to Chelsea. We have the highest degree of respect for Graham as a coach and as a person. He has always conducted himself with professionalism and integrity and we are all disappointed in this outcome.
      “Along with our incredible fans, we will all be getting behind Bruno and the team as we focus on the rest of the season. We have 10 Premier League games remaining and a Champions League quarter final ahead. We will put every effort and commitment into every one of those games so that we can end the season on a high.”
      Credit: REX
      Breaking – Chelsea statement
      Chelsea have released a statement on Graham Potter.
      The Blues wrote: “Chelsea FC has announced that Graham Potter has departed the club.
      “Graham has agreed to collaborate with the Club to facilitate a smooth transition.
      “In his time with the club, Graham has taken us to the quarter final of the Champions League, where we will face Real Madrid. Chelsea would like to thank Graham for all his efforts and contribution and wish him well for the future.”
      Credit: Getty
      Who could replace Potter?
      After Julian Nagelsmann, other candidates include former Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane, former Spain manager Luis Enrique, Eintracht Frankfurt’s Oliver Glasner, and even two-time former Blues boss Jose Mourinho.
      The Portuguese boss won three Premier League titles, the FA Cup and three League Cups over two spells in West London.
      Potter’s sacking is a major U-turn for the new Chelsea board.
      Breaking – Potter sacked by Chelsea
      Chelsea have SACKED Graham Potter after just seven months in charge and £330million spent in the January transfer window.
      Potter was hired on a five-year deal worth £12m-a-year after Champions League-winning manager Thomas Tuchel was axed following a poor start to the season.
      However, ex-Brighton boss Potter has been unable to turn Chelsea’s fortunes around with the Blues sliding to 11th in the top-flight after their 2-0 home defeat to Aston Villa on Saturday.
      The 47-year-old Englishman leaves Chelsea with the WORST record of any Blues manager in the Premier League era, being dismissed after a horror run.
      Former Spurs and PSG boss Mauricio Pochettino is one of the favourites for the Chelsea job now, with Julian Nagelsmann also available after his Bayern Munich sacking – himself replaced by ex-Blues man Thomas Tuchel.
      Pochettino, 50, remains a free agent having been sacked by Paris Saint-Germain in June 2022 despite leading them to the French title.
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      Graham Potter SACKED by Chelsea after horror run of form with Blues in bottom half of table after woeful Villa defeat

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      CHELSEA have SACKED Graham Potter after just seven months in charge and £330million spent in the January transfer window.Potter was hired on a five-year deal worth £12m-a-year after Champions League-winning manager Thomas Tuchel was axed following a poor start to the season.
      Chelsea have sacked Graham Potter after less than seven months in chargeCredit: AFP
      Chelsea owner Todd Boehly has sacked his second manager this seasonCredit: PA
      Bruno Saltor will take charge of Chelsea until a permanent successor for Potter is appointedCredit: Getty
      However, ex-Brighton boss Potter has been unable to turn the club’s Chelsea’s fortunes around with the Blues sliding to 11th in the top-flight after their 2-0 home defeat to Aston Villa on Saturday.
      Bruno Saltor will take charge of the West Londoners until a permanent successor for Potter is appointed.
      A club statement read: “Chelsea FC has announced that Graham Potter has departed the club. Graham has agreed to collaborate with the Club to facilitate a smooth transition.
      “In his time with the club, Graham has taken us to the quarter-final of the Champions League, where we will face Real Madrid.
      READ MORE ON CHELSEA
      “Chelsea would like to thank Graham for all his efforts and contribution and wish him well for the future.”
      “Bruno Saltor will take charge of the team as Interim Head Coach.”
      SunSport revealed this evening that Potter held crunch talks with the Blues brass at the club’s Cobham training ground on Sunday afternoon.
      Potter met with Global Head of Transfers Paul Winstanley and Technical Director Laurence Stewart – both of whom recommended to the board that he be sacked.
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      He then met with co-owner Behdad Eghbali before being relieved of his duties.
      A joint statement from Boehly and Behdad Eghbali read: “On behalf of everyone at the club, we want to thank Graham sincerely for his contribution to Chelsea.
      “We have the highest degree of respect for Graham as a coach and as a person.
      “He has always conducted himself with professionalism and integrity and we are all disappointed in this outcome.
      “Along with our incredible fans, we will all be getting behind Bruno and the team as we focus on the rest of the season.
      “We have 10 Premier League games remaining and a Champions League quarter-final ahead.
      “We will put every effort and commitment into every one of those games so that we can end the season on a high.”
      Blues fans were over the moon at Potter being relieved of his duties, with one tweeting: “Finally we are free.”
      Another said: “Congratulations to us all.”
      And another said: “Am I dreaming? Did they finally do this? Love it.”
      One chimed in: “Goodbye and good riddance as well as thanks for finally listening to the supporters.”
      Potter, 47, leaves Chelsea with the WORST record of any Blues manager in the Premier League era, being dismissed after a horror run.
      The former Brighton boss leaves Stamford Bridge with the worst points-per-game record of Blues bosses who have managed more than 20 games – picking up an average of 1.27 points per game.
      Potter won seven of his 22 league matches in charge of the club, drew seven and lost eight.
      That translated to the Blues collecting a mere 28 points from an available 66.
      Todd Boehly has put the under-pressure Potter out of his miseryCredit: GETTY
      Potter leaves Chelsea toiling in eleventh place in the Premier League tableCredit: ALAMY
      Potter fared slightly better in Europe, with the Blues set to face Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals this month.
      However, he still only won 12 of his 31 games in charge.
      Former Spurs and PSG boss Mauricio Pochettino is one of the favourites for the Chelsea job now, with Julian Nagelsmann also available after his Bayern Munich sacking – himself replaced by ex-Blues man Tuchel.
      And reports claim new technical director Christian Vivell is “pushing” for the German to replace Potter.
      Pochettino, 50, remains a free agent having been sacked by Paris Saint-Germain in June 2022 despite leading them to the French title.
      Other candidates include former Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane, former Spain manager Luis Enrique, Eintracht Frankfurt’s Oliver Glasner, and even two-time former Blues boss Jose Mourinho.
      The Portuguese boss won three Premier League titles, the FA Cup and three League Cups over two spells in West London.
      Potter’s sacking is a major U-turn for the new Chelsea board.
      Boehly had thrown his support behind Potter, who the club believed was the man to rejuvenate the squad.
      Boehly and his fellow investors splashed out £330m on new signings in January, taking their total spending this season well clear of £600m.
      Potter, however, struggled to find the right blend for the new recruits including £107m star Enzo Fernandez and £88m winger Mykhailo Mudryk.

      Although they were understood to be backing Potter during a difficult transition period, Blues chiefs ultimately decided they need to see more bang for their buck.
      Potter saw his side slump to a TENTH Premier League defeat of the season as they went down 2-0 at home to Aston Villa on Saturday evening.
      That took Chelsea’s dire record in the league to just three wins in their last 13 since the turn of the year.
      And unsurprisingly, a rising number of Blues supporters want to see the under-fire ex-Brighton chief relieved of his duties.
      Some Chelsea fans started a petition to have Potter sacked in February after running out of patience with the inexperienced manager.
      The club now face a hunt for a new manager, just a few months after sacking Tuchel, who led the Blues to the Champions League in 2021.
      Potter’s departure leaves Chelsea in chaos, less than a year after the takeover.
      The next manager is a huge appointment for the new owners.
      Boehly heads up a consortium – along with Behdad Eghbali of Clearlake Capital – that bought Chelsea for £4.25billion last year from Roman Abramovich.
      Potter’s appointment as Blues boss was never received warmly by the Stamford Bridge faithful.
      Read More on The Sun
      It came on the back of the controversial dismissal of the beloved Tuchel.
      And to make matters worse, Tuchel is now in charge of German champions Bayern Munich – who ran riot against title rivals Borussia Dortmund on Saturday.
      Ex-Spurs and PSG boss Mauricio Pochettino is interested in taking the job if Potter is axedCredit: GETTY
      Zinedine Zidane has been out of football since departing Real Madrid in 2021Credit: Splash
      Luis Enrique left his post as Spain manager after the World CupCredit: Getty More

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      Chelsea owner Todd Boehly holds crisis meeting with Graham Potter with boss on brink of sack

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      GRAHAM POTTER has held crunch talks with Chelsea chief Todd Boehly following the club’s latest embarrassment on the pitch.The Blues suffered a 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge on Saturday night – a defeat which has left them toiling in ELEVENTH place in the table.
      Graham Potter is under mounting pressure at ChelseaCredit: AFP
      Defeat to Aston Villa on Saturday prompted Blues owner Todd Boehly to hold crunch talks with PotterCredit: GETTY
      Boehly and the Blues brass have already given Potter a vote of confidenceCredit: REX
      The west Londoners are currently toiling in eleventh place in the Prem tableCredit: GETTY
      Potter received the dreaded vote of confidence from his bosses last month but results have yet to improve.
      And Saturday’s humbling by Villa has prompted Boehly to have another think about the direction his club is heading in.
      SunSport understands the American held showdown talks with his close associates over Potter’s future at the club.
      The under-pressure Potter wasn’t summoned to the West Londoners’ Cobham base by his boss.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      He was already present at the ground when Boehly’s trusted staff arrived at Cobham.
      It’s unknown whether the American has decided to wield the axe for the second time this season after giving Thomas Tuchel the boot in September.
      Defeat to Villa has left Chelsea a whopping 12 POINTS off the Champions League places.
      And Potter is refusing to offer any excuses for his side’s latest lacklustre display.
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      He told Match of the Day: “After a defeat there is always a disappointment.
      “There is always a feeling we have not moved forward, that’s fair to say.
      “We have to analyse the performance and look at the things we’ve done well and what we can do better.
      “Defensively we’ve left ourselves too open but again if you look at the stats of the game we had chances ourselves, we had one-v-ones.
      “But the most important thing, putting the ball into the net, we were second-best.
      “I don’t like to blame anybody, I have to take responsibility.

      “We are a team, we have to stay together, we are together. We win or lose together.
      “We will recover and we will prepare for the next game. We need to respond, that’s clear. But we look forward to it.”
      Chelsea’s dire record in the league currently stands at a meagre three wins in their last 13 games since the turn of the year.
      And, unsurprisingly, a rising number of Blues supporters want to see the under-fire Potter relieved of his duties.
      Those calls have strengthened now that former Bayern Munich boss Julian Nagelsmann is available.
      Read More on The Sun
      A petition for his dismissal was launched back in February and has thousands of signatures.
      Chelsea will be back in action on Tuesday, welcoming fellow under-performers Liverpool to Stamford Bridge. More

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      Liverpool ‘to launch shock transfer swoop for Chelsea star Conor Gallagher with Jurgen Klopp desperate for fresh legs’

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      LIVERPOOL are reportedly lining up a surprise move for Conor Gallagher to bolster their midfield after a poor season. Jurgen Klopp’s side have been a far cry from the Liverpool of recent years and not least because of a lack of depth in midfield.
      Conor Gallagher has become a regular in Gareth Southgate’s England set up
      The Reds are rumoured to be looking to change that in the summer with the addition of Chelsea and England star, Conor Gallagher.
      The Independent have reported that Klopp is looking to overhaul his midfield and feels Gallagher is the right man for the job.
      The Blues man has had a mixed season with Graham Potter’s side, starting only nine games in the league so far.
      Gallagher impressed last season whilst on loan at Crystal Palace and was nominated for PFA Young Player of the Year.
      Read more on football
      The central midfielder was linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge in January with Everton and Newcastle supposedly interested.
      Liverpool may face competition for the Englishman’s signature, but will be encouraged by Chelsea’s need to sell.
      The London club find themselves in a position where they need to offload players having spent £323million in January.
      Gallagher isn’t the only midfielder they’re hoping to lure away from Chelsea with rumours swirling about a move for Mason Mount too.
      Most read on Chelsea
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      Liverpool might feel that Champions League football could offer them an advantage in the race for Gallagher, but will have a fight to reach the top four.
      The Merseyside club were comfortably dismantled by Manchester City on Saturday in a 4-1 defeat and currently sit in eighth spot.
      They face Chelsea to get a better look at their possible targets on Tuesday before welcoming league leaders Arsenal to Anfield next weekend. More

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      Man Utd ‘hope to pinch Chelsea star Joao Felix in summer transfer steal with no buy clause in Blues loan deal’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED hope to steal Joao Felix away from Chelsea in the summer.The striker joined the Blues on loan in January but it is believed they are seeking a permanent move.
      Manchester United hope to pinch Joao Felix from ChelseaCredit: Getty
      However Chelsea did not include a clause in the deal to make the move permanent, so other clubs can make an approach.
      United have been linked to Felix for some time and are monitoring his current situation, according to Mundo Deportivo.
      Erik ten Hag is reportedly prioritising a move for a striker when the summer transfer window re-opens.
      And it is believed Felix could be available for £88million, though the Red Devils are hopeful of a more “favourable deal”.
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      However the Portugal international reportedly wants to stay at Chelsea, though he refused to be drawn in to speculation about his future.
      Felix, 23, told the LondonBluePod: “For now I’m on loan at Chelsea, so I don’t know the future yet, but I’m here and I see that it’s a big club with a big project.
      “I know that Chelsea is a great European team, I feel it and I can see it.”
      It is possible Felix could stay at Atletico, with club captain Koke ready to welcome him back into the squad.
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      He said of the striker’s future: “They were important players within the team. They made the decision to leave.
      “Joao transferred and Cunha transferred. They are decisions of each one.
      “Totally respectable. Joao is picking up the rhythm of the games, he is gaining confidence for the coming season to come back here.
      “And to Cunha, I wish him all the best.” More