Chelsea drop the axe as Graham’s reign goes to Pott

Potter, 47, left Brighton to take the reins at Stamford Bridge last September following the departure of Champions League-winning manager Thomas Tuchel.

Yet the former Seagulls boss failed to get the best from the star-studded squad he inherited, with a flood of January signings seemingly adding to his problems.

And the Blues have confirmed that Bruno Saltor will take charge as interim head coach following Sunday’s 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa, which saw Potter’s slide slip in the bottom half of the Premier League table.

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.

“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, was hampered by injuries to the likes of N’Golo Kante and Reece James, continued to chop and change his starting line-up as he attempted to find his best XI and impose his philosophy.

But Boehly and Co decided enough was enough after the limp performance against Villa left Chelsea 11th in the league.

The Blues host Liverpool on Tuesday night before heading to Wolves on Saturday.