Former Chelsea manager Graham Potter has rejected the opportunity to become the new head coach of Ligue 1 side Lyon.

According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, the 48-year-old was identified as the top candidate by Lyon owner John Textor amid mounting pressure on current boss Laurent Blanc after his side’s 4-1 defeat at home to Paris Saint-Germain on Sunday.

Graham Potter turns down Lyon

Englishman Potter viewed the vacancy as an appealing opportunity to manage a historic club who are aspiring to break back into the Champions League positions this year.

Despite giving the position a considerable amount of thought, Potter decided it was not the right time to uproot his family to France and make his return to club management as he continues to evaluate his next move.

Potter has been out of work after being sacked by Chelsea in April.

The former Blues boss had been hugely successful at Brighton and Hove Albion, helping guide the Seagulls to a ninth-place Premier League finish in the 2021-2022 season, helping him gain his move to Stamford Bridge last year.