Potter’s exit, interim role, sacking reaction: What Bruno Saltor said ahead of Chelsea vs Liverpool

Bruno Saltor addressed the media ahead of Chelsea’s Premier League clash against Liverpool on Tuesday night at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea will be under the temporary management of Saltor after Graham Potter was sacked on Sunday as the club made the decision to part company with the 47-year-old, who had won just 12 of his 31 games in charge.

No permanent successor has been eyed up and the process for the next permanent manager will be an ‘exhaustive and thorough’ process by the Chelsea hierarchy.

Saltor will now take temporary charge of Chelsea in the meantime and his first task is against Liverpool in the Premier League.

Jurgen Klopp’s side suffered a 4-1 defeat to Manchester City on Saturday afternoon and will be keen to bounce back from three successive defeats.

Here’s what the interim Chelsea head coach had to say in his pre-match press conference on Monday afternoon.

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Graham Potter’s sacking

“It’s been a difficult 24 hours for all of us. We just have to deal with the situation.”

Interim role

“If I’m here now it’s because Graham and the club thought it was the right step.

“It’s a massive challenge. I have a lot of experience in changing rooms. I will try to help and guide players. Then, I’ve got that feeling that I can help young players.”

Graham Potter’s collaborative role

“That I’m here now, trying to keep the process going the best that we can. Graham did an amazing job, football is a really complex business.”

Speaking to the players

“We have an afternoon session planned. We are going to speak to them. We are all responsible. We have to keep it positive and focus on tomorrow’s game.”

Speaking to the hierarchy

“I spoke to them. They have been really supportive. I am focused on tomorrow’s game.”

Emotions at sacking

“It’s a sad day for the staff. Graham and Billy are two top coaches, top people and I have to be as professional as I can to prepare for the game.”

Reaction of players to sacking

“They will be sad as well because they know the level of human being Graham is.”

Explaining last 24 hours

“I can’t, I can’t do it. It’s been difficult at every level, especially emotional. You have to deal with the press conference and players. It’s hard.”

Liverpool clash

“See it as an opportunity for the players. We represent Chelsea with an amazing history. It’s about winning and dominating. Preparation helps performance a lot. That’s what the players need to focus on.

“They are going through a tough season, but they have top players. We need to be ready.”

Explaining last 24 hours

“I can’t, I can’t do it. It’s been difficult at every level, especially emotional. You have to deal with the press conference and players. It’s hard.”

Hints of how Chelsea will line-up against Liverpool

“I don’t have to give any clues to Liverpool. We dominated the game (vs Aston Villa) but we lost the game because of a few mistakes. Overall, it was a good performance.”

Team news

“Same news as last week.”