How Chelsea could line up under Graham Potter
James Shearman
- Updated: 8 Sep 2022 10:14 CDT
- 3 min read
Chelsea have appointed Graham Potter from Brighton as their new head coach on a five-year deal, replacing the sacked Thomas Tuchel.
The Blues spent a record €296 million on new players such as Wesley Fofana, Raheem Sterling and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang this summer, but results have not followed.
They have lost three of their last five games in all competitions and could only muster three shots on goal in Tuesday night's 1-0 loss to Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League - Tuchel's last game in charge.
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Potter was quickly identified as the club's top target by owner Todd Boehly, beating the likes of Mauricio Pochettino and Zinedine Zidane to the helm.
Chelsea will have to shell out a massive fee, with the Seagulls boss and his backroom staff reportedly costing around £21 million in compensation.
How Chelsea could line up under Graham Potter
Potter is expected to stick with a back five at Chelsea, which the players will be used to from their time under Tuchel.
Edouard Mendy could continue in goal, but Kepa Arrizabalaga's quality on the ball could give him an edge under the ex-Brighton boss.
Wesley Fofana should occupy the right of the three central defenders, with Marc Cucurella on the left.
The Spaniard signed for Chelsea in a £62 million from Brighton this summer, having impressed under Potter last season as both a wing-back and a wide centre-back.
Thiago Silva will retain his place in the centre of defence, remaining at the top of his game at 37 years of age. Kalidou Koulibaly misses out in this team.
The left wing-back would be Ben Chilwell, who is returning to form following an ACL injury last season.
Documents are ready for Graham Potter to sign a five-year deal with Chelsea. Matter of hours and it will be completed/announced. 🚨🔵 #CFC
Other candidates have never been really close to getting Chelsea job as Todd Boehly was very clear: he only wanted Potter. pic.twitter.com/xwLJgAaKgP— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 8, 2022
On the right, Reece James, who has developed into one of the world's best, will keep his place.
In midfield, the trio of Mateo Kovacic, Jorginho and Mason Mount could be preferred for their technical ability, with N'Golo Kante among the plethora of options ready to step up when needed.
Up front, new signing Raheem Sterling will take a place, hoping to provide the same attacking output as in his time at Manchester City.
He’ll be supported by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who's reunion with Tuchel lasted just 59 minutes.
Kai Havertz, Christian Pulisic and Hakim Ziyech have a lot to prove under the new manager.
