Potter became the 12th managerial casualty of the Premier League this season when he was let go from his role at Stamford Bridge, news of his sacking coming out hours after Cherries’ relegation rivals Leicester announced they had parted ways with Brendan Rodgers.
Asked for his thoughts on seeing the pair leave their roles,
Gary O’Neil responded: “My thoughts, firstly on Graham and Brendan is two incredible managers. The work that Graham had done at Brighton and clubs before that, he did some incredible work there. So disappointed for him that at a very big club like Chelsea, he didn’t get as long as he would have liked. But also 100 per sure that he’ll bounce back whenever he’s ready and show everyone what a good manager and football coach he is. Again, Brendan’s time at Leicester, obviously some real highs in there. Has been there quite a long time and won the FA Cup, knocking on the Champions League door a few times. So, he has had a successful spell at Leicester. I’m sure we’ll see him back whenever he’s ready.”
Hired permanently in November after initially being appointed on an interim basis at the end of August, O’Neil has served as Cherries head coach for 216 days – long enough to make him the 10th longest-serving manager in the division.
Gary O Neil said: “I understand the nature of the job. Just because other people are losing theirs doesn’t make me feel any differently around what it is. I accept that if things don’t go well, you lose your job. That’s the nature of being a football manager. So, I’ve always understood that and accept that and then concentrate on doing the job the best I can.”
Questioned if that highlighted the reality of management,
Gary O’Neil responded: “It seems to be. I mean, I haven’t checked the numbers, but it seems to be more so now than it ever has been. I guess it’s the nature of it. Obviously, it’s my first go, so I haven’t got much experience in it, but from my point of view, it isn’t any more or less pressurised than I expected. It’s exactly where I thought it would be. I’ll just take it as part of it. Losing your job is a real possibility at any given moment if things don’t go how you want them to. So, yeah, let’s try our best, see if we can achieve what the club set out to and enjoy the spell that we have.”
Despite being thrust into his first head coach role somewhat unexpectedly, as admitted by O’Neil, the former Portsmouth midfielder stated the pressures involved had not come as a surprise.
Gary O’Neil continued: “I think I wouldn’t have expected to start in the Premier League. Of course, not many do, so the spotlight is obviously huge. The pressure is bigger. The level of coach you’re up against, the level of team you’re up against. Any small mistakes you don’t get away with too much when you’re sat in this seat. But, yeah, I’m enjoying it. I’m giving it my best go. Lads are giving me absolutely everything. Fans are on board, as you saw at the weekend. Everyone is pushing in the same direction and all desperate to achieve what we set out to in August.”
