Chelsea have sacked Graham Potter after less than seven months in charge at Stamford Bridge.
Potter only joined the Blues from Brighton last September – replacing the sacked Thomas Tuchel.
After a decent start, results nosedived just before the World Cup and continued afterwards, with many Chelsea fans calling for his dismissal.
But following a record-breaking spending spree in January, that included the signing of Enzo Fernandez for a British transfer-record, the wins began to come again and they advanced to the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
Through thick and thin, it was reported that Todd Boehly and the board were backing Potter, with the aim of overseeing a long-term project in west London – akin to what Arsenal have done with Mikel Arteta.
But following a poor 2-0 defeat at home to Aston Villa on Saturday, Potter’s 11th in 31 games, the club are 11th in the Premier League with European qualification of any description looking more and more unlikely.
A statement from the club read: ‘Chelsea FC has announced that Graham Potter has departed the club. Graham has agreed to collaborate with the Club to facilitate a smooth transition.
‘In his time with the club, Graham has taken us to the quarter final of the Champions League, where we will face Real Madrid. Chelsea would like to thank Graham for all his efforts and contribution and wish him well for the future.’
A further statement from co-controlling owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali said: ‘On behalf of everyone at the club, we want to thank Graham sincerely for his contribution to Chelsea.
‘We have the highest degree of respect for Graham as a coach and as a person. He has always conducted himself with professionalism and integrity and we are all disappointed in this outcome.
‘Along with our incredible fans, we will all be getting behind Bruno and the team as we focus on the rest of the season. We have 10 Premier League games remaining and a Champions League quarter final ahead.
‘We will put every effort and commitment into every one of those games so that we can end the season on a high.’
Potter won just 12 games with the Blues, resulting in a win percentage of just 38.7%.
Chelsea are next in action on Tuesday night when they host Liverpool, with Bruno Saltor confirmed to be taking interim charge of the team.
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