Bruno Saltor On Becoming Interim Chelsea Manager: "Obviously It Is A Massive Challenge"

Bruno Saltor attended his first press conference as interim Chelsea manager on Monday. He started it by paying tribute to former boss Graham Potter.

Bruno Saltor spoke to the media on Monday afternoon as he attended his first press conference since being named as interim Chelsea manager.

The 42-year-old had only been confirmed as Graham Potter's temporary replacement on Sunday evening.

Bruno's press conference took place before he had spoken directly to his players about his appointment.

"I just spoke to Graham five minutes ago and he sent his regards to all of you," Bruno told journalists.

"Obviously, it's been a difficult 24 hours for all of us, for the staff, for the families and now we just have to deal with the situation."

Bruno had been brought to Chelsea by Potter as an assistant coach in September last year, having previously worked under him at former club Brighton.

Asked if he had hesitated before taking on the role of interim manager following Potter's dismissal, Bruno replied: "If I am here right now, it's because Graham and the club they thought it was the right step and I'm here just trying to help the club and trying to be the most professional I can."

Bruno Saltor pictured during his first press conference as Chelsea's interim manager :: Twitter/@ChelseaFC

Potter was fired after winning just 12 of his 31 matches as Chelsea manager. But Bruno said: "I think Graham did an amazing job.

"Football is a really complex business and we have to keep going.

"I couldn't see the players yet. We've got an afternoon session planned, I'm going to see them now. I'm going to speak to them.

"The responsibility is on all of us. We are responsible and we have to keep it positive, try to focus on the next game and that's the energy we're working with."

Bruno has been a member of Chelsea's coaching staff since September :: IMAGO/Sportimage/Paul Terry

Bruno's first game in charge of Chelsea will be at home against Liverpool on Tuesday.

Looking forward to that game, Bruno said: "We are seeing it as an opportunity for the players.

"We are representing Chelsea. A club with an amazing history, it is about winning, it is about dominating and what we need to do is prepare for the game.

"Preparation helps a lot for performance and that is what the players need to focus on."

Bruno added that he had spoken to the club's owners and that they have been "very supportive".

On stepping up to manage an EPL team after only four years of coaching experience, Bruno said: "Obviously it is a massive challenge.

"I have been just four years coaching but I have been 20 years involved in football.

"I started really early and I have a lot of experience in the changing room. What I will try to do is help the players, guide the players, because I have been in those situations before."

READ MORE:

• Graham Potter Sacked By Chelsea
• Who Is Bruno Saltor?
• Next Chelsea Manager: Four Candidates Lined Up For Interview Process