New boss has been given three key targets to work towards this season by the club’s new owners, according to reports.
The 47-year-old was installed as ’s successor on Thursday afternoon after being handed a five-year deal worth £10million each season.
Although Chelsea are only in sixth place in the Premier League table, just three points off fourth-placed Brighton, they had delivered a number of concerning performances and failed to keep a clean sheet since the opening day of the season.
According to , Chelsea’s owners have outlined two clear objectives for Potter: the first is to secure a top-four finish and the second is a deep run in the .
Failing to do either of those things will not cost Potter his job, however, with a third remit being to improve performances and forge a new philosophy at the club.
If the Englishman shows clear progress on and off the pitch then he will be granted a second season – and a summer transfer window – to continue to build on his work.
Even if Chelsea were to fail to qualify for the Champions League under Potter, Todd Boehly and the Clearlake Capital consortium are preparing for the long-term with the new manager.
They are not prepared to rip up those plans just because they might need to spend one season out of Europe’s premier club competition – a mindset that is a world away from Roman Abramovich’s axe-happy regime.
There is also a recognition that it will take time for Potter to imprint his style on the team, particularly with so many new signings to integrate, as well as an awareness of how competitive the top end of the Premier League is.
With this weekend’s Premier League matches postponed, the new manager will take charge of his first match in next Wednesday’s Champions League clash with RB Salzburg – which has almost become a must-win game after the defeat to Dinamo Zagreb.
Speaking about his move to Chelsea, Potter said: ‘I am incredibly proud and excited to represent Chelsea FC, this fantastic football club.
‘I am very excited to partner with Chelsea’s new ownership group and look forward to meeting and working with the exciting group of players and to develop a team and culture that our amazing fans can be proud of.
‘I would also like to place my sincere thanks to Brighton & Hove Albion for allowing me this opportunity and in particular Tony Bloom and all the players, staff and supporters for their continued support during my time at the club.’
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