Published: 14:00, 13 September 2022 | Updated: 16:16, 13 September 2022
Graham Potter has admitted that switching Brighton for Chelsea has been a ‘whirlwind’ experience, but felt that moving to Stamford Bridge was ‘too big to turn down’.
Potter spoke at his first press conference since replacing Thomas Tuchel on Tuesday afternoon, and revealed that talks progressed quickly when Chelsea approached him.
However, he has stated that he was impressed by the vision of the owners, and did not need much convincing to take the job.
Graham Potter has described his first few days at Chelsea as a ‘whirlwind’ experience
‘Things happened incredibly quickly,’ he told reporters.
‘I had some really intense conversations with the owners and quickly I realised that they were good people, intelligent people that had made a huge success of their life outside of football and wanted to achieve something here. (They had) a really exciting project, really exciting ideas about how to take the club forward, and it felt really, really positive.
‘I’m not going to lie, it’s been a whirlwind in terms of getting to know people, leaving Brighton, learning about the players. My first impressions have been really good, and I’m really looking forward to starting.’
Potter thrived at Brighton during his three years at the Amex Stadium, but he is aware that he faces a new challenge at Chelsea where he will be expected to compete for trophies.
Potter has praised co-owners Todd Boehly (R) and Behdad Eghbali (L) for their ‘exciting ideas’
He does not see joining Chelsea as a risk that could backfire, though.
‘I’ve taken careful steps with my career, I haven’t just jumped at the first opportunity.
‘I’ve tried to understand what was involved and whether it was the right time for me to take the next challenge, but I think that’s what life is. Life’s about going outside of your comfort zone.
‘I don’t see it as a risk in a negative way, but I think everything is a bit unknown and that’s the beauty of life,’ he added.
Potter’s first game in charge of Chelsea will see the Blues take on Red Bull Salzburg in the Champions League.
The 47-year-old has never managed in the competition before, and has confessed that he has never even been to a Champions League match as a fan, but is relishing the challenge of stepping into the unknown.
Potter has confessed he has never been to a Champions League game, but is excited about managing in the competition
He continued: ”Off the top of my head, I don’t think I have (been to a Champions League game).
‘I think it’s a good time to go in the dugout, why not!? Wherever we start it’s a heck of an introduction. Wherever we start is going to be brilliant, and why not start here?’
Potter has also confirmed that he will have almost a fully fit squad to choose from for his opening game, with just Edouard Mendy and N’Golo Kante missing out on Wednesday night.
‘Eddie (Mendy) will miss the game, NG (N’Golo Kante) too. Apart from that, everyone else is fine,’ he said.
Edouard Mendy is currently sidelined, while N’Golo Kante will also miss out on Wednesday
Follow Sportsmail’s live blog to hear what Graham Potter has to say in his first press conference as Chelsea manager.
