Graham Potter opted to leave Brighton for Chelsea after Thomas Tuchel was fired and he has now written an open letter to the club’s fans to explain his decision.
Potter signed a five-year contract with Chelsea after Todd Boehly fired Thomas Tuchel. Potter was formally appointed as the new Blues manager just a day after Tuchel’s stunning exit.
To hire Potter, his deputy Billy Reid, first-team coaches Bjorn Hamberg and Bruno, and head of recruiting Kyle Macauley, Chelsea had to pay about £20 million in compensation to Brighton. Brighton, who granted Potter permission to talk with Boehly, have yet to replace the man who led them to 15th, 16th, and 9th place finishes in the Premier League after joining from Swansea City.
In his first remark since joining Chelsea on Thursday, Potter was eager to pay tribute to Brighton and owner Tony Bloom. However, he has now gone into greater depth in an open letter on the Brighton club website, which was written earlier in the week but held back due to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s passing.
“This has been three amazing years with a club that has altered my life, and I want to take a minute to say farewell to everyone who has made it such a special phase of my career,” Potter wrote.
“I bid farewell to a wonderful club that has meant so much to me and my family.” I understand that for some, the abrupt change in football can be difficult to comprehend. I may not be able to persuade you everyone to pardon my leaving, but I would like to take this opportunity to thank you.
“Wonderful owners and great fans are required for all good clubs.” Both are available at Brighton & Hove Albion. I will treasure the relationships I formed throughout the club. My team members went above and beyond. My team gave their all. The Albion supporters were at the center of it all. Every matchday at the Amex, there was a great connection with the team. When we played away, you came out in droves to cheer us on. I understand how difficult it has been for you to see your club finally in a modern stadium and thriving in the Premier League”.
“I could feel it every time I stood on the sidelines.” All those contacts meant a lot to those of you who stopped to chat while I was in the city or further afield, as well as the many who wrote to me. Your personal experiences of supporting the club – of supporters’
“I hope you realize that at this point in my career, I felt compelled to seize a fresh opportunity.”