Graham Potter has continued his call for patience from Chelsea fans, citing the early stages of Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal after their last managerial appointments. The Blues boss has come in for wide ranging criticism from fans that have seen their side slide down the table. Potter has looked elsewhere to support himself, though, turning to the teams at the top of the league for comparison. Speaking ahead of Chelsea’s fixture against Fulham,
Graham Potter said: “You have to understand that it’s part of the job. I think you only have to look at some of my colleagues in a similar position, Pep [Guardiola] for example in his first season was criticised quite heavily. Mikel [Arteta] has had to endure a period of criticism. Jurgen Klopp would’ve got some criticism as well and these guys are fantastic. So you understand. Football is emotional and when you lose, you don’t think about it, you feel it. You feel the pain, the suffering, the discomfort. Sometimes it is hard to understand the why and it’s easier to just blame somebody. I’m not sitting here saying I’ve been absolutely perfect, so they’re not completely wrong. But it’s always very complex. You just try to put it into perspective and remember you’re capable and how you got here. Two months ago, I was considered to be a top coach and if you consider the people I’ve played against and with, they’d say the same. But at the same time I acknowledge the results haven’t been good enough and then you have to accept and deal with that as best you can, put it in perspective, and try to move forward.”
Potter’s confidence in himself has come through in recent weeks with a similar argument raised by the man in charge. It isn’t enough for the fans that are seeking tangible improvement, though. Whereas Guardiola’s first season came off the back of Manchester City under Manuel Pellegrini, who won the league in 2014, his side were proven winners.
