NEW Chelsea boss Graham Potter insisted the club’s vision convinced him to join.
The 47-year-old replaced Thomas Tuchel last week after leaving Brighton.
He signed a five-year deal at Stamford Bridge and admitted the new owners, led by chairman Todd Boehly, showed him it was the right move.
“It’s the start of a really exciting period, I think,” he said. “New ownership, who I was really, really excited with and impressed by, firstly as people and then their vision for the club and what they wanted to do.
“Of course, the history of the club speaks for itself, but it’s about trying to create that again in our own way.”
Potter joins with Chelsea sixth in the Premier League and his first game will be tonight’s Champions League visit of RB Salzburg after Saturday’s trip to Fulham was postponed following the Queen’s death.
“You can create a team where the players enjoy playing, which can transmit to the supporters. Ultimately the most important connection at a club is between the team and supporters,” he said.
“We like to play in an attacking way, a balanced way, and players have to feel free to make decisions and express themselves.
“It’s about winning, creating a team which competes, is honest and works together, it’s a combination between football and human values.
“You have to understand they are human beings first, the key thing is to understand them, what motivates them and what they are like as people.
“Come to common ground and build relationships, communicate daily, build respect, trust and honesty, my starting point must always be the person first.”
Forgive
Potter has pleaded with Brighton fans to forgive him for leaving the club in the lurch.
In an open letter, Potter said he would cherish “three wonderful years” at Brighton but accepted some fans would not be able to forgive him.
Potter said: “This has been three wonderful years with a club that has changed my life and I want to take a moment to say goodbye to all of you who have made it such a special period of my career.
“I bid farewell to a great club and one that will always mean so much to me and my family. For some I recognise that the change that comes so suddenly in football can be hard to accept.
“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.”
Former Swansea boss Potter guided Brighton to ninth place in the Premier League last season – the club’s highest ever top-flight finish – and they sit fourth.
He said his players “went above and beyond” and paid tribute to the Seagulls’ fans, their board of directors and club staff.