Ex-Chelsea boss Potter ‘declines approach’ from European club despite being their ‘top candidate’

Lewis Oldham 07 Sep 2023 9:33 AM

Former Chelsea and Brighton and Hove Albion manager Graham Potter has reportedly ‘declined an approach’ from Ligue Un outfit Lyon.

The 48-year-old has been out of work since he was sacked by Chelsea before the end of the 2022/23 campaign.

Potter previously did a brilliant job at Brighton but he was let go by Chelsea after he won just 12 of his 31 games in charge of the Premier League giants.

The Englishman could have returned to management by now as several clubs have shown interest in appointing him. He was linked with Tottenham Hotspur before they recruited Ange Postecoglou and he has also been monitored by Ligue Un side OGC Nice.

Now The Athletic’s David Ornstein is reporting ‘Potter has declined the chance to replace Laurent Blanc as Lyon boss after being approached’ by the French side. He adds.

‘Potter was identified as the top candidate of Lyon owner John Textor amid mounting pressure on Blanc.

‘The 48-year-old viewed the possible vacancy as an appealing opportunity at an historic and aspiring club.

‘But ultimately Potter decided it was not the right time to make his return and politely passed on the patenting opening as he continues to evaluate his future.’

Potter was hamstrung at Chelsea by the club’s massive squad as most managers would have struggled had they been in his position last season.

Some Chelsea players felt empathy for Potter and Kai Havertz – who left the Blues to sign for Arsenal in a deal with £65m earlier this summer – was “frustrated” to see the ex-Brighton head coach leave Stamford Bridge.

“First of all, I have to say it is really nice and we have to respect Bruno and the coaching staff for standing in front of the team when the manager got the sack,” Harvertz said in April.

“The club has to respect those guys. But it is not our job to think about who is coming in, it is up to the owners to decide that.

“We have to do our job on the pitch but when you have a manager long-term it is easier for us players. It is not nice, we have to take responsibility for what is going on. We are at the front, everyone sees us. We are all very frustrated to see Graham go but we have to accept the situation.”

Chelsea Graham Potter