Chelsea are looking for their third manager of the season after the club’s new owners fired Graham Potter on Sunday night. Potter had been in his post for just over six months but has lost his job after failing to settle at Stamford Bridge. The former Brighton & Hove Albion manager was appointed after Chelsea’s owners, Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, fired Thomas Tuchel last September. Potter has found it difficult to make the step up and, although the hierarchy were desperate for their gamble on him to pay off, the decision was made after the club lost 2-0 at home against Aston Villa on Saturday. Bruno Saltor has been appointed as interim head coach. The defeat by Villa led to Chelsea, who have spent more than £500m on new signings since being bought by Boehly and Clearlake last summer, dropping into the bottom half. Potter, who never won over the fanbase, had been under pressure following a disappointing run of form. He bought himself time by reaching the last eight of the Champions League after defeating Borussia Dortmund last month – Chelsea play the first leg of their quarter-final against Real Madrid next week – but could not keep the run going. The co-controlling owners, Boehly and Behdad Eghbali, said: “On behalf of everyone at the club, we want to thank Graham sincerely for his contribution to Chelsea. We have the highest degree of respect for Graham as a coach and as a person. He has always conducted himself with professionalism and integrity and we are all disappointed in this outcome. “Along with our incredible fans, we will all be getting behind Bruno and the team as we focus on the rest of the season. We have 10 Premier League games remaining and a Champions League quarter-final ahead. We will put every effort and commitment into every one of those games so that we can end the season on a high. “Graham has agreed to collaborate with the club to facilitate a smooth transition. In his time with the club, Graham has taken us to the quarter‑final of the Champions League, where we will face Real Madrid. Chelsea would like to thank Graham for all his efforts and contribution and wish him well for the future.” Chelsea have not decided upon a replacement for Potter. It is likely that they will target Julian Nagelsmann, who is available after his shock sacking by Bayern Munich. They could also try to appoint the former Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino, who has been out of work since leaving Paris Saint‑Germain last summer. Spurs want to bring Pochettino back to the club after parting company with Antonio Conte.