Christian Pulisic breaks silence on Graham Potter’s sacking as Chelsea unity talks revealed

Christian Pulisic has opened up on the tough departure of Graham Potter after he was sacked by Chelsea.

Potter, 47, was relieved of his duties on Sunday following the 2-0 defeat, his 12th and final loss in charge, to Aston Villa in the Premier League.

Chelsea have placed Bruno Saltor in interim charge until they find a permanent successor, although former head coach Frank Lampard has been linked with taking over as caretaker until the end of the season should their preferred candidate not want to take over mid-season and wait until the summer. Julian Nagelsmann and Luis Enrique are both in talks with the club.

Saltor oversaw Chelsea’s 0-0 draw against Liverpool, the fourth consecutive goalless stalemate between the sides, on Tuesday night at Stamford Bridge, and admitted it had been a difficult 48 hours for all concerned with the club following Potter’s departure.

“It’s been really difficult for them because it isn’t the first time they’ve been in this situation this season,” Saltor admitted post-match in the capital on the Chelsea squad losing a second manager this season after Thomas Tuchel’s early season sacking.

“As a player you invest a lot in the managers as well. Great relationships Graham and the players and they suffer as well.

“Graham has been really supportive of them after leaving and you could see that on the pitch today. The boys gave everything, they fought.”

On managing his first game in charge, Saltor added: “Truly difficult to enjoy.

“It’s been really difficult, sad, disappointing but I’ve been trying to focus on being the best professional myself, trying to help the boys, be supportive, focusing hour by hour, day by day.”

Many of the Chelsea players, including Ben Chilwell and Marc Cucurella, took to social media to thank Potter for his services during his almost seven month tenure at the club. Club captain Cesar Azpilicueta and Kalidou Koulibaly also opened up on the difficult period which saw Potter leave.

Christian Pulisic, who was an unused substitute against Liverpool, also reflected on the ‘tough situation’ for everyone and revealed that talks had taken place within the squad after they were addressed by co-sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart after Potter was sacked.

He said: “It’s a tough situation for a lot of people. It’s just been changing in general in the club this year.

“Now with the manager out, it’s a new challenge and the guys are just trying to stick together the best we can.”

The 24-year-old added: “There’s conversations among us (players), yeah. It’s just about coming together. We still have stuff to achieve this season and that’s what we’re going to do.”

A crucial month awaits Chelsea. They face Wolves this weekend in the Premier League before heading to Spain for the first leg of their quarter-final Champions League tie against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu.