According to The Times via TalkSPORT, Chelsea didn’t sack Graham Potter in January because of Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola.

Potter was finally sacked on Sunday after less than seven months in charge, following a 2-0 defeat against Aston Villa last weekend.

Guardiola urged Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly to remain patient and not listen to critics calling for Potter to be sacked.

Guardiola’s words came after Chelsea were thrashed 4-0 by City in the FA Cup, consigning the west Londoners to a run of just one win in seven matches.

“I would say to Todd Boehly, give him time,” Guardiola said in January.

“I know in big clubs, results are important but I’d say give him time.

“The second half is what he is. What he’s done at Brighton is outstanding, but…we need time in the first season. I had (Lionel) Messi in Barcelona my first season so I didn’t need two seasons because Messi was there.”