Having just been appointed as Chelsea's newest head coach, Graham Potter has revealed why he ditched Brighton Hove Albion for the Blues' hot seat.
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Since his days in charge of Ostersunds in Sweden, Potter has seen his stock rise with his impressive displays in Scandinavia leading him to Swansea and more recently Brighton.
Now the Englishman will take another step up the coaching ranks as he succeeds the now-departed Thomas Tuchel at Stamford Bridge, and has said goodbye to a club where he displayed impressive recruitment and tactical intelligence.
Explaining the rationale behind his decision to leave the south coast of England for its capital, the 47-year-old told the Seagulls' official website: "For some, I recognise that the change that comes so suddenly in football can be hard to accept.
"I may not be able to persuade you all to forgive my departure – but I would at least like to take the chance to say thank you.
"I hope that you will understand that at this stage of my career, I felt I had to grasp a new opportunity.
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"I did not know at the time that it would be the end, but looking back now we played so well.
"There was so much positivity around the club.
"The last few days have been an unexpected whirlwind. Leaving the training ground for the last time was a poignant moment.
"To my successor, whoever that may be, I would say, congratulations. You'll be working for a great club with a fantastic squad, supported by a great chairman and board."
Potter took charge of 134 games while at Brighton, guiding them to 43 victories, as per Transfermarkt, and walks away with the Seagulls sat fourth in the Premier League, three points and two places above his new employers.
With Premier League fixtures postponed following Queen Elizabeth II's death, Potter will take charge of his first game for the west Londoners against Red Bull Salzburg in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday.
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