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Graham Potter: 'Taking Chelsea job less of a risk than moving to Sweden'

Potter: 'Chelsea job less of a risk than moving to Sweden'
© Reuters
New Chelsea head coach Graham Potter suggests that taking a new challenge at Stamford Bridge is far less of a risk than when he moved to Sweden earlier in his life.

Graham Potter has suggested that he is relishing the challenge of becoming the new head coach of Chelsea.

Last Thursday, the Blues confirmed that they had appointed the Englishman on a five-year contract, just one day after parting company with Thomas Tuchel.

In accepting a position at Stamford Bridge, Potter has left a role at Brighton & Hove Albion where he was effectively regarded as irreplaceable such was the level of his impact at the Amex Stadium.

Despite Chelsea's standing in the world of football, some have questioned Potter's decision to leave a stable job for one which is viewed as a considerable risk.

However, Potter has hinted that moving to a club like Chelsea is no comparison to departing England for Sweden when he was 35 years of age.

Brighton & Hove Albion manager Graham Potter on August 13, 2022© Reuters

Speaking to reporters at a press conference, Potter said: "Risks, well, if you walk across the road outside the stadium, there is a risk. That is what life is; nobody knows what is going to happen in the future.

"I left England when I was 30 years old, and I went to a club that had sacked the manager every year for the previous five years. It was the fourth tier of Swedish football, and I left a secure job, my wife's business, for an opportunity.

"I've taken careful steps with my career – I haven't just jumped at the first opportunity. I've always tried to understand what was involved and whether it was the right time for me to take the next challenge, but I think that is what life is.

"It's about going outside of your comfort zone, taking responsibility, believing there is more to us that sits here now. I don't see it as a risk in a negative way, but everything is a bit unknown, and that is the beauty of life."

Brighton & Hove Albion manager Graham Potter on April 9, 2022© Reuters

Potter enjoyed a legendary stint during his time in Sweden, taking Ostersund from the fourth tier to the top flight and establishing his club in that division.

Furthermore, Potter guided Ostersund to the Swedish Cup, which subsequently led to a run through to the last 32 of the Europa League where they lost to Arsenal 4-2 on aggregate.

Potter was speaking ahead of leading Chelsea for the first time against Red Bull Salzburg on Wednesday evening, a match which will represent the first-ever Champions League fixture that he has attended in person.

The West Londoners head into the game looking to bounce back from a 1-0 defeat away at Dinamo Zagreb last week.

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New Chelsea boss Graham Potter on September 13, 2022
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