4 Managers Who Could Replace Graham Potter

When Chelsea announced Graham Potter as their new manager in November 2022, a shadow of skepticism hovered over the appointment of the former Brighton boss. Factoring how and the extent club owner Todd Boehly went all out to get his man – paying a whopping €25 million for the 47-year-old tactician and his backroom staff to migrate from Brighton and Hove Albion, an instant impact was expected. It was also viewed as a (deserve) ‘big break’ with a rare opportunity to manage one of Europe’s biggest clubs, and arguably the most impatient one.

Fortunately, things got off to a bright start as Potter rallied to five consecutive victories in his first six games in charge of Chelsea. A breath of fresh air it was. A new sheriff had arrived, and the perfect chef with just the unadulterated recipe to coast Chelsea all the way to success was aboard the “blue ship” in West London. However, just as things appeared to fall into place for Potter at the helm of affairs in Chelsea, he was greeted with a run of inconsistent results, starting with a Saturday, October 29^th trip to the Amex Stadium – his former stomping ground. A 4-1 defeat marred by two own-goals, marked the beginning of what eventually was a tumultuous run of form for Graham Potter and Chelsea. 

The next 18 games for the once-adored Potter saw him record just three wins. Despite owner Todd Boely’s eye-watering £320 million ($387m) spending spree in January, Potter could do little to salvage his ailing situation. 

Caught an isolated figure, the defeat to city rivals Tottenham didn’t help Potter’s fate. The clamour for change had begun and rumours had begun to spread despite the report of Chairman Todd Boehly backing the struggling manager. 

It appeared the reassurance from the board was what Graham Potter needed as Chelsea went on a trot. Three straight wins including the much-needed victory against Borussia Dortmund, which ensured Chelsea’s place in the quarter-final of the UEFA Champions League. Sadly, there was a sudden capitulation of what looked like a ship with bearing. 

After a devastating 0-2 home defeat at the hands of Aston Villa, the damage was beyond repair, and with just 5 league wins post-appointment by April, the chasing shadows of a sack reappeared- for good. Club owner Todd Boehly called time on the torrential reign. After 206 days and 31 games, it was finally over. An agonizing era – one which many Chelsea fans would have hoped ended earlier. 

While many will have sympathy with the manner in which Potter was sacked, there’s no doubt that Chelsea simply weren’t performing on the pitch to the level that was required of them. Furthermore, when we look at Potter’s stats at Stamford Bridge it makes the decision more understandable. His record at Chelsea points to a rather dismal average of just 1.42 points per game. Not only is that a sizable 29% drop from Thomas Tuchel’s average (2.07 points per game), but it’s also the worst record for a Chelsea manager over the course of the past 10 years at the club. In fact, the last manager to have a record as poor as that was Glenn Hoddle, who coached the club between July 1993 and June 1996.

A quick look at the PPG (Point per Game) of the previous five Chelsea managers that managed a minimum of 30 games gives further credence to the action taken by the Chelsea board.

Though Frank Lampard has been recently appointed on an interim basis till the end of the season, the hunt for a long-term successor to Graham Potter continues. 

Drawing up a short list, we take a look at the possible replacements for the former Chelsea boss.

JULIAN NAGELSMANN (GERMANY)

A name recently made available on the market (to the surprise of many) is Julian Nagelsmann, after German giants Bayern Munich and the young manager parted ways last month with the club lying second in the Bundesliga, just a point behind rivals Borussia Dortmund and in the Champions League quarter-finals. His replacement was ironically former Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel. Nagelsmann, 35, led the Bavarians to their 10th straight Bundesliga title after taking over in 2021. He has previously managed RB Leipzig and Hoffenheim. The young German tactician appears a suitable fit given his history of working with young players and synchronizes with the long-term project Todd Boehly is pursuing.

LUIS ENRIQUE (SPAIN)

Luis Enrique left his role as Spain’s coach after their disappointing World Cup last 16 exits to Morocco in December 2022. His Spain side previously impressed at the 2020 European Championship, losing on penalties to eventual champions Italy in the semifinals.

The 52-year-old, who has not managed a club side in nearly six years, won the Champions League with Barcelona in his first season as part of a remarkable treble in 2015, he later added another La Liga title and two Copa Del Rey trophies to the Catalans’ cabinet. 

Asides his astute tactical ability, another feather to the cap of the Spaniard is his man management skills. Dealing with talented superstars for Luis Enrique is somewhat a routine. His successful stint at Barcelona saw him manage some of world football’s biggest egos. A manager who ensured against the widespread assumptions and expectations that one of football’s greatest trio — Lionel Messi, Neymar Jr, and Luis Suarez could coexist would have little difficulty ensuring harmony at Stamford Bridge.

MAURICIO POCHETTINO (ARGENTINA)

Former Tottenham manager Pochettino, tipped for a return to north London, was linked with Chelsea after Tuchel was sacked and has again emerged as one of the early frontrunners for the vacant managerial role at Stamford Bridge. The 51-year-old has been out of work since a brief stint at Paris St Germain, where he won last season’s Ligue 1 title. He led Spurs to the 2019 Champions League final and two top-three finishes in the Premier League between 2015 – 2017. Though the Argentine may not be able to boast of a gallery of titles like other aforementioned names, he appears as a manager who could surely give an identity to this Chelsea side. His stint at Espanyol and his ‘proud legacy’ of a competitive culture he gave to Spurs amongst other reasons are why he is being tipped for the job.

ZINEDINE ZIDANE (FRANCE)

The former Real Madrid coach and Ballon D’Or winner, has spent nearly two years without a club since he left Real Madrid after his second spell in charge at the end of the 2020-21 season- Madrid’s first trophyless season in 11 years.

A World Cup winner with France and a national icon, Zidane won three Champions League trophies and two La Liga titles among other domestic honours in five years across two decorated stints at Real. His CV is unquestioned and Zizou naturally has been linked with the managerial role of many top clubs in Europe, thus it is unsurprising to see his name appear on the list of likely replacements for Graham Potter. Away from the laurels, on two occasions with Real Madrid, Zidane has proven he could turn situations around within a short period — something the Chelsea faithfuls are accustomed to and will relish. Additionally, his astute man- management skills will serve as an extremely useful tool for the Blues, who currently have a large squad filled with a mix of youth and experience.