Graham Potter feeling the pressure as Chelsea woes continue: ‘I know people want something different’
Graham Potter admits he is feeling under pressure after being booed off the pitch following Saturday’s defeat to Southampton.
Potter’s position is under increased scrutiny after Chelsea lost 1-0 to bottom club Southampton at Stamford Bridge.
For now, those close to the club maintain they are sticking by their long-term plan with Potter at the heart of it.
That is despite back-to-back defeats, just one goal in five games and with Chelsea languishing down in 10th place in the Premier League.
Amid criticism from a section of supporters, Potter admits he is feeling the heat.
“I am not stupid or naive,” he said.
“My job is to keep going and keep helping and supporting the team and take that criticism.”
Asked about potentially changing his approach to show more passion or anger, Potter said: “You can only be yourself and try your best while being yourself.
“I get it that when you are losing that there’s always something you should do or change. I have always been this way and it has gotten me to this point but, at the same time, I know people want something different.”
Much of the criticism from Chelsea fans has been focused on Potter but the players, former owner Roman Abramovich and the current owners could also take some responsibility for a club that is falling well short of expectations.
After spending over £500million across the last two transfer windows, Chelsea have gone backwards and Potter tried to explain that he is up against it in the current circumstances.
“There is transition and there’s factors but, at the same time, when the team is losing and we’ve had the results we’ve had then you can also understand it,” he said.
“We’ve invested in some young players, if you look at Enzo [Fernandez], [Noni] Madueke and [Mykhailo] Mudryk, they haven’t played that many games. They are learning to play in the Premier League.
“We’re managing quite an unprecedented injury list — so you have to manage that in the Premier League. All that is true but, unfortunately when you lose, it is not what people want to hear.
“I know my quality and I know what I have done in my career but I also understand than when results don’t go your way that you are open to criticism and that’s fair.
“It is not acceptable to lose 1-0 at home here and any criticism I get is now fair.”
Chelsea now prepare for a trip to rivals Tottenham next Sunday, with questions over Potter’s future set to rumble on.
