Graham Potter says there was “frustration and anger” over the best way his Chelsea tenure ended however he doesn’t remorse taking the job.
Potter was dismissed seven months right into a five-year contract in April 2023 after Chelsea paid a £20million buyout clause to convey him to Stamford Bridge from Brighton & Hove Albion the earlier September. Brighton subsequently certified for the Europa League underneath his successor Roberto De Zerbi.
The 49-year-old was the primary head coach appointment of the Todd Boehly-Clearlake Capital regime and he was tasked with overhauling a squad in transition following a spend of over £500m throughout the primary two switch home windows underneath the brand new possession.
He received simply seven of his 22 Premier League matches and the timing of his dismissal denied him the possibility to guide the aspect in opposition to Actual Madrid within the Champions League quarter-finals.
“I labored actually, actually exhausting to get that sort of alternative,” Potter informed the Telegraph. “It was about choosing the proper alternative (after the job achieved at Brighton). And I didn’t select the incorrect one, it simply didn’t work out.
“I don’t have any regrets over doing it, however, on the identical time, when anyone loses their job, there’s a component of frustration, anger and possibly bitterness in some unspecified time in the future.”
GO DEEPER
‘There have been so many gamers, some needed to change in hall’ – Potter’s surreal Chelsea reign
Chelsea spent £300m in January however received simply 4 video games throughout all competitions in 2023 earlier than Potter was dismissed. He mentioned he understood the massive switch outlay introduced a requirement for outcomes however endurance was wanted when signing an inflow of gamers from exterior the Premier League. Huge cash additions Enzo Fernandez, Mykhailo Mudryk, Benoit Badiashile and Noni Madueke all joined from elsewhere in Europe.
The Athleticreported that the squad was so bloated, some gamers needed to change within the hall and sit on the ground throughout staff conferences.
“In case you spend £300m, the strain on the staff goes up.” he added. “If I’d have spent it on Harry Kane and Declan Rice, then honest sufficient, however on the time that was the choice.”
Potter has been out of administration since leaving Chelsea 17 months in the past however a number of openings have come his manner. The Athleticreported in June Brighton have been contemplating hiring him for a second spell in cost after De Zerbi’s departure. He mentioned it had not been the right second to re-join to the south coast membership however didn’t rule out returning sooner or later.
In Could, Potter declined the chance to take the Ajax job as he felt the chance was not proper for him on the time. He was additionally thought-about a candidate for the England place after Gareth Southgate stepped down following the European Championship earlier this summer season. Potter mentioned whereas worldwide administration was not off the desk, he most popular the day-to-day routine of the membership recreation.
GO DEEPER
England’s supervisor search: Potter, Howe, Pochettino – and the FA’s key decision-maker
(Clive Rose/Getty Pictures)
