Graham Potter asks for forgiveness from Brighton fans

Mueez Ajao

– Graham Potter says he felt he had to “grasp a new opportunity” as he explained in an open letter to fans why he left Brighton to join Chelsea.

– Potter, 47, became Chelsea manager on Thursday after three years at Brighton.

– “For some, I recognise that the change that comes so suddenly in football can be hard to accept,” he wrote.

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– “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.”

– Potter, who has replaced the sacked Thomas Tuchel at Stamford Bridge, added: “I hope that you will understand that at this stage of my career, I felt I had to grasp a new opportunity.”

An open letter from Graham Potter, written last Thursday.
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) September 11, 2022

– Former Ostersunds FK and Swansea City manager Potter led Brighton to ninth place in last season’s Premier League, the highest finish in their history.

– He has guided them to fourth in the table this season after they won four and drew one of their first six Premier League games.

– In an open letter written on Thursday and published on Brighton’s website on Sunday, he added: “I feel I am a better person and a better manager for the experiences I have had here.

– “Not every team selection or decision has been perfect. But the club has created an environment that gives you the scope to make mistakes, learn from them and then improve.

– “I have always tried to act with integrity and be a good person. These are values I hold dear, and I know that the Albion do too.”

– Potter, whose last match with Brighton was a 5-2 victory over Leicester on 4 September, added: “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.”