By Victor Kanayo
Chelsea on Sunday night sacked coach Graham Potter after strings of poor results at Stamford Bridge.
This was disclosed by the club in a statement via its website.
The statement reads, “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.
“Bruno Saltor will take charge of the team as Interim Head Coach.”
On their part, co-controlling 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.”
Potter was appointed on September 8 on a five-year deal, but has left the club just seven months into that contract, after winning 7 of his 22 Premier League games in charge.
Potter’s departure follows Chelsea’s 2-0 defeat at home to Aston Villa, a result which left the Blues 11th in the Premier League table, now 12 points behind fourth-placed Manchester United.
