Football

Chelsea boss Graham Potter compares his struggles to 3 Premier League managers

Chelsea boss Graham Potter compares his struggles to 3 Premier League managers

Chelsea manager Graham Potter has compared his struggles to those suffered by both Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp early in their spells at Manchester City and Liverpool respectively.

As reported by LiveScore, Potter also noted that Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta received heavy criticism not so long ago, with the Blues boss noting that all three of his fellow managers have gone on to recover in fantastic fashion.

Chelsea have just one win from their last eight matches in all competitions, with that win coming against Bournemouth in the Premier League at the end of December.

In that time, they have lost to the likes of Aston Villa and Newcastle in the league, as well as being dumped out of both the FA Cup and League Cup by Manchester City.

Chelsea boss compares himself to Guardiola, Arteta & Klopp

Potter is enduring a hugely challenging time in the Chelsea dugout, but has vowed to continue fighting amid intense pressure from many fans.

The west London outfit currently sit 10th in the Premier League table heading into their derby meeting with Fulham on Thursday evening.

They have won just seven of their 17 league games so far, drawing four and losing six. The club’s defence have certainly not been the problem, with only Newcastle (11), Arsenal (14) and Man City (16) conceding fewer than the Blues’ 19 goals this season.

The problems have been at the other end of the pitch, with only seven other clubs finding the back of the net less often than Potter’s side. Atletico Madrid talent Joao Felix has now been brought in to help solve this issue.

And the Chelsea manager has pointed to his fellow managers in light of the criticism being aimed at him in recent times, saying: “You have to understand [the criticism] is part of the job.

“You only have to look at some of my colleagues in a similar position. Pep, for example, in his first season, was being criticised quite heavily. 

“I think Mikel Arteta has had a period of criticism. Klopp, in the first few years, would have had criticism as well. These guys are fantastic.”

Chelsea

Potter backs himself to turn things around at Chelsea

Potter also touched on his journey to the Stamford Bridge dugout, and has backed himself and his club to bounce back from their miserable run.

Missing out on domestic cup runs may just be a blessing in disguise for the Blues as they seek to clinch a hugely difficult spot in the Premier League top four.

Potter’s side face a tough test against Liverpool later this month, but they will most certainly look to other upcoming fixtures against the likes of Crystal Palace, West Ham and Southampton as a real chance to get some vital points on the board.

“You understand football is emotional,” added Potter. “When you lose, you feel it; you feel the pain; you feel the suffering; you feel the discomfort.

“Sometimes it’s hard to understand the ‘why’, and it’s easier just to blame somebody. I’m sitting here saying it’s not like I’ve been absolutely perfect, so they’re not completely wrong, but I think it’s always very complex.

“You just try to put it into perspective. You try to remember you’re capable; you try to remember how you got here.

“Two months ago, I was considered to be a top coach. If you consider the people I’ve played against and played with, they’d probably say the same.”


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