When a life changing phone call came in September 2022, Graham Potter didn’t hesitate: he was on the first train to London, to finalize the deal of his career – a long term contract with Chelsea. The manager who did wanders with a small Brighton from the south of England now decided to ‘bite the bullet’ and took over one of the biggest clubs in the world. He got a massive backing from a new owner, who purchased 10 players worth around 300 million euros. The quality of those players is up for the debate but he got them nevertheless. The results are non-existing. And now Graham Potter finally realized the size of the club and the burden he is faced.The name’s Potter. Graham Potter pic.twitter.com/Jc0FshLCTm— FootballJOE (@FootballJOE) January 9, 2023 Ahead of a duel with a seventh placed Fulham, his Blues are in 10th(!) place in the Premier League and after a series of bad results, he even heard fans chanting Thomas Tuchel’s name at some games.“It is probably the hardest job in football because of that leadership change and the expectation – because, rightly, where people see Chelsea. I have the utmost respect for Thomas Tuchel and what he achieved here in terms of winning the Champions League, so I can understand that the chanting. What the previous ownership has done before is fantastic. But this is a new era, a new chapter and, we’re going through some pain and it’s difficult at the moment. Obviously, I understand their frustration, I appreciate their support because there is support there but I also understand there is a bit of pain we have to go through as well. That’s part of the challenge to come and I understood that things would be difficult from a leadership perspective. It is a challenge, stimulating and ridiculously hard” said Potter ahead of the game with Fulham.Auba’s second Barcelona stint? It’s not gonna happenThe 47-year old manager was quite honest about his personal feeling during this turbulent period for himself and the club.“After a game I am not a very pleasant person, in terms of it hurting me. When you lose, or don’t get the results, it is painful. It affects your family. As much as you try to have balance and perspective, I am a human as well and it is a struggle. My family know there are pluses and minuses to the job. And ultimately, I am not after pity here. I am grateful and privileged to be here. I mean, wow, what else could you be doing with your life? Worse. What am I going to do? Be the Chelsea manager and not expect pressure, trouble, challenge, stress? It would be strange of me to do that. You have to take responsibility. You have to lead the group and lead the team” said Potter. The biggest deal in Janaury: Joao Felix signs for Atletico and Chelsea on the same dayFor this match, he hopes to have another new player at his disposal. Joao Felix came on a loan from Atletico Madrid yesterday and will be in contention for the spot in the starting 11, if the Premier League register him until this evening. Among other things, Potter has problems with too many injured players. Armando Broja, Ben Chilwell, Wes Fofana, Reece James, N’Golo Kante, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Edou Mendy, Christian Pulisic and Raheem Sterling all remain unavailable for Fulham.PREMIER LEAGUERound 7Thursday23:00: (3.80) Fulham (3.50) Chelsea (2.10)Round 20Friday23:00: (2.00) Aston Villa (3.60) Leeds (4.00)Saturday15:30: (5.40) Man.Utd. (3.70) Man.City (1.75)18:00: (2.70) Wolverhampton (3.05) West Ham (2.80)18:00: (3.05) Nott.Forest (3.25) Leicester (2.55)18:00: (3.80) Brighton (3.60) Liverpool (2.05)18:00: (2.25) Everton (3.25) Southampton (3.60)20:30: (1.65) Brentford (3.90) Bournemouth (6.00)Sunday17:00: (1.62) Newcastle (4.00) Fulham (6.25)17:00: (1.65) Chelsea (3.80) Crystal Palace (6.25)19:30: (3.60) Tottenham (3.50) Arsenal (2.15)***odds are subject to change***
