Chelsea man to get ‘big chance under Potter’; new ‘attractive’ sporting director candidate emerges

Fabrizio Romano has hinted that Christian Pulisic will have a “big chance” to kickstart his Chelsea career under new manager Graham Potter.

The Blues decided to part company with Thomas Tuchel last week following the club’s difficult start to the new campaign.

Potter emerged as their primary target to replace the German and he was appointed after paying his buyout clause.

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The Englishman has his first game in charge on Wednesday night as Chelsea host Red Bull Salzburg in the Champions League group stages.

Jorginho has already backed Potter to do “very well” during his time in charge.

Romano has now suggested that Pulisic is a player who could benefit from Potter’s arrival. The USA international was linked with Man Utd in the summer and he struggled under Tuchel.

The Journalist believes Pulisic will have a “big chance” in the coming months:

“This evening we’ll finally get to see Graham Potter take charge of his first game as Chelsea manager as they take on Red Bull Salzburg in the Champions League,” Romano wrote for Caught Offside.

“It’s an interesting change of direction for the Blues, but so far I’m hearing positive things – the impact in training between Potter and Chelsea players has been described as very, very good.

“It could be a fresh start for some players who had been struggling under Thomas Tuchel.

“In particular, I think Christian Pulisic can be one of the players who’ll have a new, big chance under Potter after having the chance to leave the club during the summer.

“And of course, Marc Cucurella is absolutely perfect to work again with his former manager, it will be an important factor. More on Cucurella below.”

After appointing a new manager, one of Todd Boehly’s priorities now is to bring in a new director of football.

Romano is reporting that Salzburg’s Christoph Freund is “emerging as a candidate” for the role:

“Red Bull Salzburg’s Christoph Freund is emerging as a candidate for Chelsea for the new sporting director role,” Romano continued.

“Talks have been positive, but other candidates remain in the frame. A final decision is expected in the next few weeks, as Todd Boehly wants a new director as soon as possible.

“Freund was already approached for a role at RB Leipzig, staying into RB group – but he’s always been really happy at Salzburg.

“Many of Salzburg stars have joined the clubs thanks to Freund, including Benjamin Sesko and Erling Haaland (who was already ‘famous’ at Molde, of course).

“He’s great with identifying talents and has a vision for the future, this is why he’s one of the most attractive candidates for Chelsea.”