Chelsea’s interim head coach Bruno Saltor believes the squad will be ‘sad’ following the club’s decision to sack Graham Potter.
Potter was sacked at Chelsea on Sunday with the west Londoners 11th in the Premier League table following the weekend defeat to Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge. The 47-year-old departs after less than seven months in charge, having won just seven of his 22 league fixtures in charge.
Saltor – who moved to Chelsea from Brighton alongside Potter in September – has taken over first-team affairs as the club conduct their search for a new manager and will take charge of Tuesday night’s clash with Liverpool.
Ahead of the game, he said that the Chelsea squad will be disappointed to see Potter leave the club.
“I couldn’t see the players yet. We’ve got an afternoon session planned, so I’ll see them now,” Saltor told his pre-match press conference.
“The responsibility is all of ours but we’ve got to keep positive and focus on tomorrow’s game. That’s the energy we’re working with.
“They will be sad as well because they know the level of human being Graham is. I will take responsibility as I have done since day one and then expect them to be next to us and supportive.
“It’s a sad day for the staff because Graham and Billy [Reid] are two top coaches, top people, two human beings.
“How I see it, is be the most professional I can, try to help guide the players and to prepare for the game the best we can.”
Chelsea will face a Liverpool side in need of a positive result of their own, after the Reds were thrashed at Manchester City on Saturday. Jurgen Klopp’s side are eighth in the Premier League and face an uphill task to secure Champions League football.
“We have to see it as an opportunity for the players,” Saltor said on facing Liverpool.
“We’re representing Chelsea, a club with amazing history, who are about winning, about dominating.
“We need to prepare for the game, preparation helps a lot with performance. That’s what players need to focus on.
