Graham Potter's stance on return emerges following Jim Ratcliffe proposal

13 September 2023 , 22:03

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Graham Potter's stance on return emerges following Jim Ratcliffe proposal

Graham Potter is prepared to wait for the right opportunity to present itself before returning to management after rebuffing an approach from Rangers, according to reports.

Potter, 48, has been out of work since he was ruthlessly sacked by Chelsea back in April after just six months at the helm. He has since been linked with a host of high-profile roles, including vacancies at Leicester and Lyon.

Despite his torrid stint at Stamford Bridge, Potter is still one of the most exciting young coaches in the game and his stock remains high following the impressive job he did at Brighton. He is not, however, set to return to the dugout in Scotland with Rangers, who are currently sounding out potential candidates to replace Michael Beale.

According to The Sun, the Scottish giants approached Potter's representatives in a bid to float the idea of the former Ostersund and Swansea coach replacing Beale, who is under severe pressure after failing to overcome PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League qualifiers.

An early exit from Europe, coupled with a chastening defeat against Celtic in the Old Firm derby earlier this month, means Beale is already on thin ice at Ibrox. But Potter had no interest in discussing the role and turned down their approach.

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The report goes on to outline that Potter is relaxed about a potential return to the dugout and is willing to wait for the right opportunity to present itself before diving back into work, preferably with a club who can offer Champions League football.

Join the debate! Where do you think Potter will end up next? Let us know here.

Graham Potter has been approached again about a return to management (Plumb Images/Leicester City FC)

Prior to rejecting Rangers' approach, Potter had already decided against taking on a role with French giants Lyon, who are now poised to appoint Fabio Grosso as their new head coach instead.

Potter also held talks with OGC Nice - the club owned by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, one of the parties trying to purchase Manchester United - earlier this year. The Ligue 1 outfit had identified Potter after deciding they wished to appoint an English speaking coach and meetings between the two parties were held in private.

Despite those talks, it was Francesco Farioli, formerly of Roberto De Zerbi's coaching staff, who was eventually unveiled as Nice's new head coach back in June. De Zerbi was appointed by Brighton after Potter was lured to Stamford Bridge by Chelsea 12 months ago.

Dan Marsh