Chelsea vs Liverpool: Interim manager Bruno Saltor has reacted to the dismissal of Graham Potter from Chelsea. The former assistant coach spoke to the English manager just before the press moment.
Chelsea interim coach responds to Potter’s dismissal: “He sent his regards”
Saltor joined Monday afternoon for a preview of Tuesday evening’s Premier League game with Liverpool. Naturally, Potter’s sudden resignation was the main topic of conversation. “I spoke to him five minutes ago, he sent his regards. The last 24 hours have been difficult for everyone, of course, but we have to live with it,” said the 42-year-old Spaniard.
For Saltor it means that he is ultimately responsible for the first time. The former Brighton & Hove Albion right-back became Potter’s assistant at that club after retiring as a player and went with the Englishman to Chelsea. The fired manager does not blame him. “He called to say hello and expressed his support for me. I’m just trying to help the club and be professional.”
That the button has to be turned again so soon after Potter’s dismissal to prepare his selection for the important duel with Liverpool is inherent to football. “Football is a complex business, we have to keep going,” Saltor realizes. “I haven’t seen the players yet, but that will happen in training. We are all responsible for this, but we have to stay positive and focus on tomorrow.”
Saltor believes that the players are also not indifferent to Potter’s dismissal. “They will be sad, also because they know that Graham is a good person. It is also a sad day for the staff, but it is my job to prepare the players for the game as best as possible. We should also see this as an opportunity. We represent Chelsea, a great club with a great history. It’s about winning here.’
Saltor will not make huge changes against Liverpool
After Potter’s fatal defeat to Aston Villa, Saltor will not make huge changes at Chelsea, who can reduce the deficit to an equally errant Liverpool to one point if they win. “I don’t want to make Liverpool wiser, but we dominated the game against Aston Villa. We lost because of a few mistakes, but we had a lot of chances. Overall it was a good performance,” he said.
