“Potter called me by phone”- Roberto De Zerbi reveals what Chelsea boss said to him after Brighton appointment

Club News: Graham Potter called up Roberto De Zerbi after he was appointed as coach of Brighton & Hove Albion

Brighton & Hove Albion manager Roberto De Zerbi has revealed that Chelsea boss Graham Potter called him on his phone after he appointed manager of the Seagulls.

Potter left the Sussex-based club to join Chelsea and replace former manager Thomas Tuchel in September. Two weeks later, the Seagulls announced Zerbi as their head coach.

The former Sassuolo boss received a congratulatory message from Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola and also revealed that Potter too called him to do the same. (h/t Sussex Live)

“A couple of hours after I signed the contract, Potter called me by phone. He was very kind and it was highly appreciated. I don’t like it much when you are becoming a new coach at a club and you have to call the previous coach. But because it happened the other way around and he called me, I was very happy.”

Potter managed the seaside club for three years before he swapped them for Stamford Bridge in September. The Englishman transformed the Sussex-based club and made a threat to reckon with over the years.

But the club has been in poor form since the Englishman left. They have suffered three defeats in their last five league games and will later tonight play host to an in-form Chelsea.

The former Brighton manager is yet to taste defeat as Chelsea boss in all competitions. Since his appointment, the west London club has won six games and drawn the other three. The Blues sit fifth on the table, but a win could see them move up to the third position.

More Chelsea News:

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• Manchester United join Chelsea in the race for Bayer Leverkusen right-back Jeremie Frimpong
• Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah opens up on struggles under Tuchel amid Potter turnaround

It will likely be an emotional return for Potter to the seaside club. But he cannot let his emotions come in the way for 90 minutes. Fans will hope that the Blues continue their unbeaten run under their new manager and will expect a win against an out-of form Brighton side.