'I had to grasp a new opportunity' - Graham Potter explains his decision to become Chelsea boss

Graham Potter says he had to «grasp a new opportunity» as he explained why he left Brighton in an open letter to the club's supporters. Potter was appointed Chelsea head coach on Thursday after three years at Brighton who he took to ninth in the Premier League table last season — the highest league position in the club's history. Ad After six matches of the 2022-23 Premier League season, the former Ostersunds and Swansea manager led Brighton to fourth after four wins and one draw.

Premier LeaguePotter appointed Chelsea head coach on a five-year contract08/09/2022 AT 14:48 Now after signing a five-year contract to manage Chelsea last week, the Englishman has thanked the Brighton fans for supporting him. «For some, I recognise that the change that comes so suddenly in football can be hard to accept,» he wrote. «I may not be able to persuade you all to forgive my departure — but I would at least like to take the chance to say thank you.» He added: «I hope that you will understand that at this stage of my career, I felt I had to grasp a new opportunity.» English football restarts on Monday, but Prem yet to be confirmed Man Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool, and Chelsea all linked with Brighton's Caicedo — Paper Round Potter says he believes he is a «better manager» following his time at Brighton.

He continued: «I feel I am a better person and a better manager for the experiences I have had here. Not every team selection or decision has been perfect. But the club has created an environment that gives you the scope to make mistakes, learn from them and then improve.