Graham Potter said Albion have an exciting future under Roberto De Zerbi after they beat his Chelsea side.

But he added he had nothing for which to apologise to Seagulls fans who gave him a torrid welcome back to the Amex.

Potter suffered his first defeat at Chelsea boss as De Zerbi enjoyed his first win with the Seagulls.

The 4-1 success was Albion’s first ever league success over Chelsea.

Potter was booed by Albion fans, who later taunted him as his side headed to defeat.

Asked whether he was surprised by the reception, Potter - who felt the final score was harsh on his side - said: “I didn’t have any expectations.

“I have nothing to say sorry for, I have nothing to apologise for. I did a good job.

“You can see the team is a good team: “I took over when they were fourth from bottom in the Premier League.

“Probably the third worst team.

“There has been a lot of money raised in terms of player sales and there’s a lot of good players on the pitch.

“I hope for their sake the next managers do as good a job and that’s brilliant for them.”

De Zerbi got things spot-on tactically, despite losing Joel Veltman to injury and Danny Welbeck to illness while Levi Colwill was ineligible.

Potter expects him to go from strength to strength.

He said: “I can see the ideas, I can see what they are trying to do.

“I think they have been a little bit unlucky in games in terms of results but performances have been good.

“I think he is going to have an exciting time here.

“It’s a really good club with good players and players who suit how he wants to play.”