Football

Chelsea legend understanding of ‘harsh’ Graham Potter sacking after just 31 matches

April 4, 2023 10:00 am
Chelsea legend understanding of ‘harsh’ Graham Potter sacking after just 31 matches

Chelsea legend Gus Poyet says the decision to sack manager Graham Potter was “harsh,” but ultimately understandable with the Blues sitting 11th in the table.

Potter lasted just seven months in the dugout at Stamford Bridge, with co-owner and chairman Todd Boehly finally calling it a day in what has been a miserable campaign for the Blues.

They dropped into the bottom half of the Premier League table following Saturday’s 2-0 home loss to Aston Villa.

Chelsea sacking ‘harsh’ on Potter

Potter lasted just 31 matches, with the Blues now 12 points off the top four in the Premier League.

While the west London outfit remain in the Champions League, where they take on Real Madrid in the last eight later this month, they suffered third round exits in both the FA Cup and League Cup, both against Manchester City.

Potter took over from Thomas Tuchel – who was also sacked by Boehly – in September, with the club making several big-money signings under his tenure in the January transfer window.

But the majority of those signings have failed to have any impact at Stamford Bridge, a feat that Poyet believes played a key part in Potter’s dismissal.

“I think it was a difficult period,” said Poyet, as quoted by LiveScore. “They had a few good results, especially in the Champions League, and it looked like a new beginning.

“But football nowadays, it depends on so many things. We don’t analyse performances anymore, only a result. I think for Graham in particular, it’s harsh.

“Brighton to Chelsea is a big change. That is a learning process, but at the same time, it’s Chelsea. When you are in a team like Chelsea, with the money spent, you definitely cannot be 11th.”

Chelsea

‘Dream job’ for next Chelsea boss

There have already been plenty of high-profile managers linked with the vacancy, with the likes of Zinedine Zidane, Mauricio Pochettino and Julian Nagelsmann all making the headlines when it comes to the role.

Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi’s name has also been mentioned, as has that of former Chelsea manager Antonio Conte, who was only recently sacked from his position as Tottenham manager.

As is the case for almost everyone in world football, Poyet remains in the dark about who will be the next person in the dugout at the Premier League giants.

The former Blues midfielder does, however, believe that it will be a “dream job” for whoever Boehly decides to pick, with the co-owner and chairman quickly learning the ropes of English football.

“He’s learned that at Chelsea, it’s important to win,” added Poyet. “If Chelsea don’t win, the fans are not going to be happy because the Chelsea fans are winners and they feel the need to win. 

“I think personality is very important. I think it’s very important when a coach in the situation that Chelsea are now can start winning games, but at the same time they will develop young players.

“I don’t know how many managers will walk into a club in the quarter-final of the Champions League. It’s a dream job. But I think Chelsea first need to be clear what are the characteristics of the manager [they want].”

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