Chelsea star Reece James defends his boss Graham Potter amidst intense pressure
Speaking to BeIN Media (h/t Metro), Chelsea star Reece James defends his manager Graham Potter amidst intense pressure on the latter following another defeat.
It was not surprising to see Potter’s Chelsea lose to Tottenham Hotspur away from home on Sunday. Talking about records, it is the first time the Blues had conceded a goal and lost a game at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
If that was not enough, Chelsea have won just two of their last 15 league games, while it was another fixture without scoring a goal. It is now seven games in 12 since the World Cup where they have blanked.
Amidst all the negativity towards the manager, here’s what James said while taking some responsibility (h/t Metro):
“Nothing happens overnight.
“We don’t just wake up tomorrow and we’re out of the situation we’re in, it’s going to take weeks and months to get to where we’re meant to be.
“But we’re all on the same page, we’re sticking together and that’s a big positive.
“Everyone has seen how good of a manager he is. That showed when he was at Brighton and they were in and around top four. His ability is definitely not questionable.
“He’s in a similar position to us players – we’re the ones out there on the pitch performing – so just as much stick he gets the players are playing as well, we’re in it together.”
It is refreshing to see a player showing some bottle and facing up to the media to take some responsibility. It is easier for everyone to jump on the gun for criticising the manager. But, the players must take some stick too.
While Potter may lack certain characteristics to lead an elite club like Chelsea, he is definitely not short of tactical solutions to any problem. So, he is preparing the squad well on that front. If they cannot follow that because of external caveats, it is their problem too.
The manager is also unlucky at the fact that he did not have a pre-season to work with an assembled squad in the last transfer windows. The club did not provide him with a striker in the January window too.
More Chelsea News:
- Chelsea boss gives update on Thiago Silva injury after defeat to Tottenham Hotspur
- Chelsea told not to start Mykhaylo Mudryk and Noki Madueke if they want to win vs Tottenham Hotspur
- Shakhtar sporting director confident that Mykhaylo Mudryk will be a success at Chelsea
So, although it is right to question Potter and his abilities, let’s not forget that Chelsea, as a club, is undergoing a transition period. Things won’t be easy before the glory days come back. Fans have to ride with it.