Chelsea is back in on the headlines even after their record high spending summer transfer window involving Thomas Tuchel.
Chelsea fans were surprised last week when it announced the sacking of Thomas Tuchel following a spat between Chelsea’s new owner Todd Boehly. The news came in as a rude surprise to all who purchased Chelsea tickets as it felt like Tuchel was the man that would guide the side back to glory in the years to come.
Hours after the sacking, the Chelsea management was seen negotiating a deal with the inspirational Brighton manager Graham Potter to take over the reins as manager. Potter’s management record was working with low-tier clubs and bringing them from relegation to promotion.
His stint with Brighton was impressive last season as the team finished 9th in the Premier League, their best finish. Any Chelsea tickets holder who was a vivid follower of the Premier League last year understands the capabilities of Potter and thinks he can be the next Blues manager.
But the challenge Graham Potter has with him is enormous. Let’s find out why we say so.
Tuchel-Boehly, What Went Down?
It all felt like a fairytale last season when the Todd Boehly-owned sports management group came to Chelsea’s rescue after Roman Ibrahimovic listed the club for sale. With Tuchel’s inspirational speeches during one of the club’s darkest times, the club saw new management taking the reigns.
With Chelsea going big in the transfer window, using nearly 270 million pounds to get their dream combinations, it felt like they were gearing up for a Premier League title.
But, things didn’t look right at Stamford Bridge. The manager, who had just won the Champions League and the FIFA Club World Cup with the side, had to part ways because it became increasingly difficult to work alongside the owners who had contradictory intentions to that of the manager. Tuchel was also reported to have an increasingly complicated relationship, which is usual in most clubs.
Sources inside Chelsea also add that Todd Boehly clashed with Tuchel over the possible transfer of the Manchester United striker, Cristiano Ronaldo. This was a rumor during the summer window that got everyone who purchased Chelsea tickets excited, but Tuchel was hesitant to sign the legend.
As per reliable sources, the differences between the United sticker paved the way for an irreplaceable rift between the two, and the 1-0 loss to Dinamo Zagreb was the culmination of the sacking.
“The fact that Thomas Tuchel resisted buying Cristiano Ronaldo was one reason for the bad relationship with Todd Boehly.”
“Boehly wanted Ronaldo and Tuchel was hesitant. He added that it would destroy my dressing room.”
The German manager cleared his desk the following day and was an inspirational figure at Chelsea and regarded as a stalwart passionate about the club, just like everyone who buys Chelsea tickets.
He joined in January 2021 and showed leadership during challenging periods, including the pandemic, the Russian ownership dilemma, and the sanctions. He leaves the club with a little legacy, hoping that the initiatives he took will continue.
Graham Potter and Chelsea
When he arrived at the touchline at Stamford Bridge for Chelsea’s all-important game against RB Salzburg, it was Potter’s first Champions League game that he had attended. It clearly indicates the growth the former Brighton chief has had in the last few years, earning a reputation for himself.
Never has the new Chelsea manager, now 47 years of age, been to a Champions League game as a player, fan, or scout, and there he was at the helm of Chelsea, in his first game in charge.
The hard yards of coaching that Potter did over the years has made the football world stop and notice his achievements, which is why he was seen sitting on the bench at Stamford Bridge.
Potter believes that introductions need to be done for him to get settled at the club, understand what it demands, and get a grasp on things.
“Wherever we start it is a heck of an introduction, with respect to everything that has happened at this football club with what it demands, where they are in terms of how they are competing and what they want to achieve.
“Wherever we start, it is going to be brilliant. So why not start here?”
However, Potter has not had much game time at the European level. His only achievements at this level are in the Europa League with the Swedish club Ostersund, and he understands that there is a task at hand.
And Potter will need to act fast. Maybe, he will start with the book that Tuchel had left him. The German had a plan in mind when he made those big purchases in the transfer market, and now Potter has the instruction manual to get them to work.
The first game with Potter in charge didn’t go to plan, it could’ve been worse, but Chelsea settled for a 1-1 draw against RB Salzburg. His Premier League debut was delayed. The games were postponed owing to the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Potter expects a 3-4-3 System
According to news from the Bridge, Potter expects the team to line up on a 3-4-3 setup to create a flexible side. He plans to create a team that plays with a back four to build a defensive fortress. He has already got his plan running with Raheem Sterling playing as a fullback in his first game in charge.
Chelsea is currently 6th in the league behind Manchester United, and there is quite a bit of catching up if the side wants to see themselves in the top tier this season. Their UEFA Champions League group stage fight also thickens with their draw against RB Salzburg, as the team now needs to win all of their remaining games to stand a chance.
It will take time for Potter to get the Stamford Bridge side running to his will, but he will need to get his act together fast. With a 270 million Pound spend, he will need to get the visionary team of Tuchel in action faster than he intends.
With the hype and the high-value spending, Chelsea tickets have soared sky-high. Official sources have indicated that Chelsea tickets are incredibly scarce and in limited numbers. This high demand can be primarily because everyone wants to see how Chelsea performs this season.
As a substitute, the official reseller platforms can be the ideal solution. In a matter of seconds, you can source Chelsea tickets and watch the new Blues’ in action!
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