Chelsea’s board fear it would be tough to proceed backing Graham Potter if the workforce lose to Leeds and Borussia Dortmund within the subsequent two games.
Potter has not misplaced the assist of the homeowners, Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, and there’s a need, notably on Boehly’s half, for the 47-year-old to show the scenario round.
But the previous Brighton supervisor is underneath main stress after a dreadful run and is conscious he requires enchancment in outcomes and performances in Saturday’s Premier League house sport towards Leeds and Tuesday’s Champions League last-16 second leg at Stamford Bridge towards Dortmund, who’re 1-0 up.
Chelsea are tenth within the league after two wins in 15 games and nearer in factors to the underside three than the highest 4. The homeowners have positioned loads of religion in Potter since hiring him as Thomas Tuchel’s substitute in September and admire his calm manner and training skill.
However Chelsea spent closely prior to now two switch home windows and have seen little reward. Their season would be all however over in the event that they misplaced to Dortmund and the scenario is difficult by a majority of followers having turned towards Potter, who could face a hostile response from the group if his workforce are overwhelmed by Leeds.
Potter admitted on Friday is struggling to get his concepts throughout to his gamers. “When you’ve had the results we have had clearly it is not perfect, otherwise you would have better results,” he stated. “Clearly it is a process of how to get our message across better. How can we structure things in a way to help the players because that is what we are here for.
“When results aren’t good, from my point of view you have to accept that we haven’t done it well enough. That’s the reality we are in and I am sure the players will take responsibility and admit they can do better as well.”
Potter stated he retained the assist of the dressing room. But it’s a dangerous second for him to be with out Thiago Silva’s management in defence – the Brazilian is out for six weeks with a knee harm – and Mason Mount has additionally joined an harm listing that options César Azpilicueta, Édouard Mendy, N’Golo Kanté and Christian Pulisic. Reece James is a doubt with a decent hamstring.
Potter insisted Chelsea had sufficient character to manage with out Silva, despite the fact that they struggled when the 38-year-old and James have been rested throughout final month’s 1-0 house defeat by Southampton. “There’s no doubt there’s people in the squad who can step forward and add more in terms of performance on the pitch, leadership, all those things,” Potter stated. “Just like I can.”
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The ambiance is prone to be tense on Saturday, with house followers sure to demand that Potter be fired if Chelsea lose. However, it might be nearly unattainable to discover a everlasting substitute earlier than the Dortmund match. Potter is aware of he must repay the board’s religion.
“There is support and of course I’ve spoken to them,” he stated. “But I’m not going to hide behind that. The results haven’t been good enough and I’m responsible for that. When you’re a coach, if the results aren’t good you accept the criticism and noise that comes with it. My job is to stay with the team, try to prepare the team as well as I can, and win the game tomorrow.”
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