Graham Potter is reportedly being paid an eye-watering amount at Chelsea. He also won’t be sacked even if the Blues miss out on the minimum target for the 2022/23 season.
Thomas Tuchel’s time on Stamford Bridge certainly came to an abrupt end in Blues fans’ minds. When considering the position of CFC chairman/part owner Todd Boehly and co-controlling owner Behdad Eghbali, it is easier to understand why the two men wanted a fitting change. Along with the preference of having their chosen man at the Chelsea helm.
Apparently Potter was an obviously suitable choice for Boehly and Eghbali. The pair wished for a head coach who would be a partner and shared the same vision; evidently Tuchel was no longer considered viable in that regard, despite only a short working relationship.
The German’s downfall ostensibly began a while back after the embarrassing preseason loss to Arsenal when he said ‘It’s the same players, so why should everything change?’. This comment was supposedly ‘received terribly by the board’ and Tuchel was consequently thought of as an “adversary” by the Chels‘ hierarchy.
In fact, it is thought that the Blues proprietors acted so quickly to secure the former Brighton & Hove Albion boss because they feared he would potentially replace Gareth Southgate as England manager following the upcoming World Cup. The 47-year-old does seem a natural fit for the Three Lions, but pressing business awaits on Fulham Road.
Besides, Potter’s lavishly lucrative £12million-per-year contract will probably push him to further prove himself at CFC. That may perhaps earn him £60million overall – IF he remains the Blues head coach for the current five-year deal.
Chelsea’s minimum objective for the 2022/23 season
There are always aims and aspirations set out at any club as a season gets underway; Chels are obviously no different in that respect. For 2022/23, the board are said to have given Potter the very same target as Tuchel: a top four Premier League finish.
However, should the team fail to reach this minimal requirement, Potter won’t lose his job. Chelsea, preparing to stick by their new man in case of difficulties, apparently want the ex-Swansea City gaffer on a longterm basis. Pride of London will wait to see how it goes at first before getting too carried away.