Commentary: Potter can work his magic, but will Chelsea give him what he needs?

SINGAPORE: The news that Thomas Tuchel parted ways with Chelsea earlier this week sent shockwaves through the football world.

And with good reason.

During a tenure of less than 20 months, the German guided the team to the trophy at the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup. He boasted a 60 per cent win record with the Blues, and helped Chelsea secure a third place finish in the Premier League last season.

Yet just weeks into the new season, the club announced the German's departure, a day after suffering a 1-0 loss to Croatian team Dinamo Zagreb in their opening game of the Champions League group stage.

Chelsea were sixth in the league.

Within days, Englishman Graham Potter from Premier League rival Brighton was appointed as a replacement. Yet, doubts swirl.

After all, Potter has no trophies in the English game, no glittering CV, and no experience managing a team competing in the Champions League, detractors point out.

While the decision of dismissing Tuchel is undoubtedly rather odd, Potter could yet be a success at Chelsea.

The key, however, would be defining what success is.

In a statement announcing Tuchel's departure on Wednesday (Sep 7), the club said: "As the new ownership group reaches 100 days since taking over the club, and as it continues its hard work to take the club forward, the new owners believe it is the right time to make this transition."

And therein lies the key. Taking the club "forward".

After splurging more than £250 million in the summer transfer window, the London side do not look markedly better than they were last season.

They have brought in Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang, 33, to lead the line, Kalidou Koulibaly, 31, to shore up the defence, and Raheem Sterling, 27, to provide attacking