GRAHAM POTTER has reached a verbal agreement with Chelsea over the vacant manager’s job and has left Brighton’s training ground.The Brighton boss has talks with Chelsea’s owner Todd Boehly in London on Wednesday night and talks were amiable.
Bookies have suspended betting on Potter taking charge.
Zinedine Zidane and Mauricio Pochettino have also been lined up as potential replacements as odds tumble on the favourites.
Anthony Barry has been in charge of Chelsea on an interim basis but Potter is hoping to be in charge on Saturday against Fulham.
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Graham Potter joins Chelsea
Graham Potter has agreed a five-year deal to replace Thomas Tuchel as Chelsea boss.
The Blues moved quickly to replace Tuchel after making the call to axe him 100 days into the new ownership.
Brighton didn’t hesitate in allowing the West Londoners to speak to their now former manager and opening talks were held between Potter and Stamford Bridge chiefs on Wednesday.
After positive talks with co-owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali, Potter agreed to take the role on Wednesday night
Gabriel Jesus pursuit ‘frustrated’ Tuchel
Thomas Tuchel was reportedly left frustrated over a failed move for Gabriel Jesus this summer.
The Athletic claims the ex-Chelsea boss was encouraged to sign Jesus from Man City by Todd Boehly.
But Tuchel rejected the idea before later changing his mind.
However, this time Boehly did not back Tuchel, who was left annoyed after Jesus made it clear he wanted to join Chelsea over Arsenal.
Behdad Eghbali and Jose Feliciano
“Graham is a football innovator and winner on the pitch and a leader off the pitch.
“He has deeply impressed us with his ideas and approach to football.
“We are thrilled to partner with Graham to build a winning team, one that embodies the culture of collaboration, innovation, teamwork, player development, and a commitment to excellence on and off the pitch.
“We are fortunate to have Graham and his team as our partners in that journey.”
Todd Boehly on Potter appointment
“We are thrilled to bring Graham to Chelsea. He is a proven coach and an innovator in the Premier League who fits our vision for the Club.
“Not only is he extremely talented on the pitch, he has skills and capabilities that extend beyond the pitch which will make Chelsea a more successful Club.
“He has had a major impact at his previous Clubs’ and we look forward to his positive impact at Chelsea.
“We look forward to supporting him, his coaching team and the squad in realising their full potential in the coming months and years.”
Potter’s first words at Chelsea
“I am incredibly proud and excited to represent Chelsea FC, this fantastic football club.
“I am very excited to partner with Chelsea’s new ownership group and look forward to meeting and working with the exciting group of players and to develop a team and culture that our amazing fans can be proud of.
“I would also like to place my sincere thanks to Brighton & Hove Albion for allowing me this opportunity and in particular Tony Bloom and all the players, staff and supporters for their continued support during my time at the club.”
Breaking – Chelsea confirm Graham Potter
Chelsea have confirmed the arrival of Graham Potter as their new manager.
The former Brighton boss has signed a five-year deal to take over from Thomas Tuchel.
Potter will take charge of training at Cobham on Friday.
And he will be in the dugout for Saturday’s derby against Fulham.
Video – Potter arrives at Chelsea
Graham Potter has pulled up at Cobham this afternoon to pen his five-year Chelsea deal.
The manager continued talks this morning with Todd Boehly before striking a verbal agreement.
And after saying goodbye to his Brighton players, Potter is now putting pen to paper at Chelsea’s training ground.
WATCH POTTER ARRIVE AT CHELSEA HERE
Potter gets backing from Ralph
Ralph Hasenhuttl is backing Graham Potter to be a hit at Chelsea.
The Southampton boss said: “I must congratulate them for a very good choice.
“For me, he [Potter] is the manager in the last two years with the biggest impact in a club with all the limits they had.
“With all the transfers they gave away to other clubs, they’re still competing at the highest level. It shows how good this group is.
“He has all the experience. I think to step into a bigger club and show there that he can perform at the highest level.”
Tuchel seen after Chelsea sacking
Thomas Tuchel has been pictured for the first time since he was sacked as Chelsea manager.
The German was dismissed as Blues boss on Wednesday morning despite pleading with the new owners to keep him on for longer.
And he took a stroll in the miserable weather on Thursday.
Tuchel looked glum in the rain as Chelsea prepare to announce Brighton’s Graham Potter as his successor.
Brighton pals to join Potter
Graham Potter has reportedly demanded three members of his Brighton backroom staff to join him at Chelsea.
Potter wants recruitment analyst Kyle Macaulay to follow him to London, says TalkSport.
Macaulay has worked with Potter at Brighton, Swansea City and Ostersunds, offering his advice on transfer targets.
Potter also wants assistant coaches Billy Reid and Bjorn Hamburg to join him at his new team.
Student Potter to boost Blues
Graham Potter is ready to win over the Chelsea dressing room… by using his Masters’ degree in Emotional Intelligence.
He said: “[My masters] was a leadership qualification and that seemed to be interesting to me.
“You simplify it, it’s just man management, building an environment, understanding how the environment can help you shape behaviour, how people act.
“It sounds quite common sense but it’s often not common practice and that’s the beauty of it.”
Costa undergoing medical at Wolves
Former Chelsea star Diego Costa is on the brink of a Premier League return.
The Athletic reports he is currently undergoing a medical at Wolves ahead of a free transfer.
Costa’s work permit was initially turned by authorities after spending time playing in Brazil.
But Wolves’ appeal was successful and Costa could be involved in Saturday’s game at Liverpool.
Potter bids farewell to Brighton
Graham Potter was at Brighton’s training ground this morning to say goodbye to his players.
The tactical wizard is now on the brink of joining Chelsea as their new boss.
And a verbal agreement is in place, with official confirmation to come.
SEE THE VIDEO HERE
Lukaku’s Chelsea future remains unclear
Inter Milan director Giuseppe Marotta will talk with Chelsea about Romelu Lukaku’s future at the end of the season.
Speaking ahead of Graham Potter’s arrival as Thomas Tuchel’s successor, he said: “It’s fresh news. I don’t know what the effects will be.
“We absolutely want to get the best contribution out of Lukaku, and then at the end of the season we’ll sit down and discuss him with Chelsea.”
“I don’t know if a change of coaches means that his return is to be automatic, it’s difficult to predict today.”
Breaking – Chelsea reach Potter agreement
Chelsea have reached a verbal agreement for Graham Potter to become their new manager.
Fabrizio Romano claims contracts are now being drawn up after the Brighton boss struck a deal with Blues chiefs following talks this morning.
Potter will now become Thomas Tuchel’s replacement at Stamford Bridge.
And the move could be confirmed in the coming hours.
Potter axes Brighton press conference
Graham Potter has CANCELLED his Brighton press conference that was scheduled for today.
The 47-year-old is currently in talks with Chelsea about taking over from the sacked Thomas Tuchel.
Potter had been due to address the media today ahead of Brighton’s trip to Bournemouth on Saturday.
But the scheduled press conference will no longer be going ahead, according to The Athletic.
Good morning Chelsea fans
Thomas Tuchel has been sacked by Chelsea after their shock Champions League loss away to Dinamo Zagreb on Tuesday.
According to the Telegraph, Tuchel lost the faith of both club owner Todd Boehly and his team.
The same source reports that his future at Stamford Bridge would have been in doubt even if they had claimed three points in Zagreb.
It has been said that firs- team coach Anthony Barry will likely take charge on an interim basis for the meantime as the Blues look for a full-time successor.
SunSport exclusively revealed Brighton boss Graham Potter is among the early frontrunners for the vacant position with talks already taking place.
Meanwhile, Mauricio Pochettino and Zinedine Zidane are also on the Blues’ shortlist, as well as Benfica manager Roger Schmidt.
Pochettino and Zidane have been out of work ever since they left Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid respectively.
Potter has travelled to London to speak to Chelsea about their vacant head coach position after Tuchel’s dismissal, reports SunSport’s Giacomo Pisa.
The Seagulls gave the 47-year-old permission to speak to Stamford Bridge chiefs.
The new Chelsea owners are keen to take the club in a new direction with a young and ambitious manager, rather thing hiring and firing big names like they did before.
SunSport understands they want a new head coach in place before Saturday’s West London derby against Fulham and are VERY confident that will be Potter.
Potter held positive talks with the Blues chiefs on Wednesday and is set for further discussions on Thursday ahead of agreeing a deal.
After initial talks, the top job at Stamford Bridge is Potter’s to lose and should a deal be struck quickly he could be on the touchline at Craven Cottage as early as this weekend.
More from Ferdinand
Manchester United great Rio Ferdinand added about Thomas Tuchel: “Anybody who comes in now, you would think is a downgrade on Tuchel.
“Graham Potter has done a fantastic job and will be called by bigger clubs than Brighton. But would he take it?
“He has a clear identity but the question is would he be able to handle the experienced players?
“Tuchel is a proper manager. He is honest and direct. He has clarity on how he wants to play and I can’t understand it. It doesn’t make sense to me”
Ferdinand on Tuchel
Manchester United hero Rio Ferdinand has blasted Chelsea’s decision to sack Thomas Tuchel and has warned whoever follows the German tactician will be a “downgrade”.
Ferdinand said on his FIVE YouTube channel: “He has a 60 per cent win rate, a lot of managers would be delighted to have that.
“It’s a giant statement from Todd Boehly and his new regime.”
Ferdinand added: “I interviewed him [Tuchel] last week, I went to Chelsea’s training ground last week, I’ve got a really good relationship with Thomas Tuchel.
“I said: ‘what’s it like with new ownership?’ He said: ‘It’s not worse, it’s not better, it’s just new.’
“Those are his comments. It obviously wasn’t perfect behind the scenes because he would’ve said ‘nah, it’s brilliant etc’ but he was very open and honest and that’s what I love about him”
Mount of a task
Chelsea owner Todd Boehly has liked a tweet about Mason Mount’s contract situation, with negotiations expected to begin over a new deal.
Mount is currently tied down until 2024 at Stamford Bridge and it was reported that he is ready to discuss a potential extension.
Now Boehly has liked the tweet, an indication that the Blues will soon open a dialogue to complete a deal with the attacking midfielder
Credit: Getty
Hot Chelsea gossip
Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel’s love live is said to have been centre of gossip in the dressing room.
Tuchel has been shockingly sacked as Blues boss just 100 games and two seasons into his reign.
Since the shocking announcement, revelations about the German’s final months in charge at Stamford Bridge have emerged.
According to The Independent, even the ex-Paris Saint-Germain’s manager’s divorce from wife Sissi and new relationship with Natalie Max, 35, were discussed among Chelsea stars.
It is even claimed some players changed their perception of Tuchel around the time he split with Sissi after 13 years of marriage and later dated Natalie.
Tuchel, 49, and Sissi, 46, announced their marriage had ended in April and parted officially in May after filing for divorce.
Up & at Em
Chelsea fans are desperate for Emma Hayes to be appointed as Thomas Tuchel’s replacement.
Hayes has been in charge of Chelsea Women for 10 years and has won 12 trophies during her reign.
Since the 45-year-old took over as Blues boss Chelsea’s men’s team has gone through nine different managers, with varying success.
BeIN Sports presenter Richard Keys led the calls for Hayes to take over, with several fans agreeing
Ful steam ahead
Chelsea want to have Brighton boss Graham Potter in the dugout for Saturday’s west London derby against Fulham, reports SunSport’s Giacomo Pisa.
Potter held positive opening talks with the Blues chiefs on Wednesday and is set for further discussions on Thursday ahead of agreeing a deal.
The West Londoners are moving fast after axing Thomas Tuchel following a poor start to the season.
After initial talks yesterday, the top job at Stamford Bridge is Potter’s to lose and should a deal be struck quickly he could be on the touchline at Craven Cottage as early as this weekend
Douglas Luiz to leave
Aston Villa ace and Chelsea summer target Douglas Luiz will leave Villa Park as a free agent next summer.
Luiz was chased by three top Premier League teams this summer after entering the final year of his contract.
The Blues were known to be keen before they eventually plumped for Juventus star Denis Zakaria on loan.
Liverpool also kept tabs on the midfielder until they pulled off a loan for Juve’s Arthur .
But it was Arsenal who led the charge for Luiz on transfer deadline day, having a £23million bid rejected by Villa.
But despite being happy to stay at the Midlands this term, UOL claim the Brazil international has already decided to leave Steven Gerrard’s side when his deal expires in 2023.
And the 24-year-old is eager to extend his Premier League stint
Credit: Getty
Graham Potter reminder
Brighton boss Graham Potter has been expected to travel to London to speak to Chelsea about their vacant head coach position after Thomas Tuchel’s dismissal, reports SunSport’s Giacomo Pisa.
SunSport exclusively revealed earlier today that the Blues were planning on contacting the Seagulls about Potter’s availability.
And the Premier League outfit have given the 47-year-old permission to speak to Stamford Bridge chiefs.
The new Chelsea owners are keen to take the club in a new direction with a young and ambitious manager, rather thing hiring and firing big names.
SunSport understands they want a new gaffer in place before Saturday’s West London derby against Fulham and are VERY confident that will be Potter
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