Graham Potter sacked as Chelsea head coach after less than seven months in charge

Chelsea have confirmed the sacking of Graham Potter after less than seven months in charge following a dismal run of form.

The 47-year-old has been relieved of his duties at Stamford Bridge after the Todd Boehly-Clearlake Capital ownership decided it was already time for change in the capital.

After going unbeaten in March, a 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa was the final straw for the ownership who only appointed Potter, along with all of his backroom staff, back in September from Brighton & Hove Albion after paying £21.5 million to secure their services to succeed the outgoing Thomas Tuchel.

Chelsea confirmed the departure of Potter on Sunday evening. 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. Chelsea would like to thank Graham for all his efforts and contribution and wish him well for the future.”

Co-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.”

Bruno Saltor will take charge of the team as Interim Head Coach.