Graham Potter grateful for chance to rest on break in ‘crazy season’ for Chelsea
The pressure has eased on the Blues manager in the last two weeks following an upturn in form.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Graham Potter reflected on “a crazy season” so far with Chelsea as he looked forward to taking time to recharge over the international break.
The pressure has eased on the manager in the last two weeks following an upturn in form, with players signed in January starting to settle and results improving as Potter has gained a greater sense of his favoured XI and shape.
Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Everton at Stamford Bridge saw the team play some of their most fluid attacking football since the manager replaced Thomas Tuchel in September, though they continue to be held back by a difficulty in converting chances.
That allowed the visitors to peg them back, equalising first through Abdoulaye Doucoure after Joao Felix had?given Chelsea a second-half lead.
Then, after Kai Havertz looked to have won it with a penalty, Ellis Simms got forward in the 89th minute and beat Kalidou Koulibaly to the ball to slot home and steal a point for Everton.
The manager pointed to the changes that have taken place at Chelsea during the last 12 months, beginning with the club being sold by Roman Abramovich to new owner Todd Boehly last May and wholesale turnover among the squad and behind the scenes.
“Sometimes you have to see exactly what’s happened,” said Potter. “Since the last two windows you’re probably looking at a 20-plus player turnaround.
“So in terms of stability, togetherness, spirit in the group, that’s been a real positive over this tough period of weeks and months. A unique season, before the World Cup was crazy with the intensity of the games and then the injuries we were picking up.
“The transfer window has added more noise to us. But at the same time we’ve got a young group who are?coming together and performing together well. Today’s performance was a positive one, Dortmund (in the Champions League) was a positive one. But still lots to do.”
The draw ended a run of three straight wins that have changed the complexion of Potter’s tenure after a torrid start to 2023.
As well as wins against Leeds and Leicester in the league, they progressed to the Champions League quarter-finals by knocking out Borussia Dortmund. They will face holders Real Madrid in April.
The team next play on April 1 against Aston Villa following the international break, with Potter relishing the chance to take stock ahead of the season’s final weeks.
“I always say, these breaks, you can’t do anything about them,” said Potter. “You just take them for what they are. It’s been an intense few weeks, so we’ll take the break. We’ve had a decent week. Today was a performance that was a positive one for us, but ultimately we’re frustrated to drop points.
“It’s an intense period coming up, April and May will be heavy. It’s important for me as the leader to gain some freshness and to recharge and to use the time.
“I’m probably going to close my eyes for a few hours, or try to. I’ll spend some time with the family and then we’ll see.”