Chelsea’s caretaker manager Bruno Saltor has come out to talk about the difficulty of his role following the sacking of Graham Potter.
Saltor made these comments after he oversaw a 0 – 0 draw against Liverpool at Stamford Bridge in his first match as the Blues’ caretaker boss.
The 42-year-old spent seven years as a right back with Brighton and Hove Albion and became one of Potter’s most trusted wingmen towards the end of his playing career. At his retirement in 2019, Potter petitioned the club to keep him as a coach, which they did. And when the 47-year-old English manager was appointed by Chelsea, he took Saltor with him to the club as his assistant.
The Spaniard is still learning the ropes of management and has been thrust into a big role right off the bat following the sacking of his mentor in the past weekend. After taking charge of his first match, he admitted that it was hard leading the team without Potter.
“It’s difficult to enjoy this type of experience because you’re really focused on the game,” he said. “I tried to help the players from the touchline as much as I could.
“After what happened on Sunday, yesterday we had a recovery session. I tried to spend time with the players and talk to them. I thought they gave everything.
“It’s been hard, we are very close friends [with Graham Potter]. It’s difficult to stand here without him but I’m trying my best.”
Saltor then gave positive comments about his side’s performance in the draw, taking special time out to hail N’Golo Kante, who was returning from a lengthy injury spell for his first home game in over six months.
“We created chances. We scored, offside. It will come to the boys because they deserve it.
“We left Liverpool without anything [up front]. They put their bodies on the line, I’m really happy with back three. We had players on Ramadan, some back from injury.
“N’Golo Kante is incredible. His performance was outstanding. He’s a leader with his performances. What he brings to the team in terms of football and leadership is outstanding. It’s a massive plus to have him back.”
Saltor was also asked about his next steps as news emerged of Chelsea progressing in talks to hire a new manager in the coming weeks. Among those that have been touted are Julian Nagelsmann and Mauricio Pochettino, with the German being the preferred option among the team’s upper management.
“I’m going back home, rest, focus on the next game,” he said. “We will just focus on every day. The boys are giving their best. It’s been a really hard season. They’re human beings, we have to help them.”
