Graham Potter needs more time at Chelsea - here's why

James Shearman

14 Jan 2023 11:54 GMT
3 min read

Graham Potter, Chelsea, 2022/23 — © ProShots

Graham Potter is under pressure at Chelsea after a poor run of games has seen them drop to 10th in the Premier League table.

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The ex-Brighton boss made an impressive start to life at Stamford Bridge, with wins over Crystal Palace, Wolves and Aston Villa.

He also guided the west London club to top spot in a tricky Champions League group.

MORE: Why Hakim Ziyech is still at Chelsea

But a difficult spell prior to the World Cup break saw a lot of his good work undone, meaning a positive start to the return to club football was vital.

Instead, after beating Bournemouth 2-0, Chelsea played terribly in the 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest, lost twice to Manchester City in one week and suffered defeat to Fulham on Thursday.

And, given Chelsea's past of sacking managers, people are starting to believe that time is running out for Potter to turn things around.

Potter needs time

Todd Boehly has splashed the cash since becoming Chelsea owner, bringing in the likes of Marc Cucurella, Wesley Fofana and Raheem Sterling for big money in the summer transfer window.

This month, he has brought in Benoit Badiashile, David Datro Fofana and Andrey Santos to be part of a long-term project and Joao Felix has arrived on a short-term loan.

When an owner spends around €350 million on new players, they typically expect instant results. But in this case, Potter deserves at least 12 months before he is judged on his performance.

Graham Potter went 10 games without a win in each of his first two seasons at Brighton.
Significant improvement came in his third season onwards.
He's a slow burner. It takes time for players to really grasp his ideas.
Chelsea will be fine if the owners don't blink in the noise.
— Andy Naylor (@AndyNaylorBHAFC) January 13, 2023

The former Swansea City manager has been dealt a bad hand. Injuries to key men such as Reece James and Ben Chilwell, working with players that aren't in his plans and the winter World Cup are all valid excuses as to why things haven't gone so well.

Not only that, as Andy Naylor points out, Potter has made slow starts before. It's take time for players to fully understand his ideas.

But when they do, achievements such as leading Brighton to their highest-ever finish and taking Swedish club Ostersunds to the Europa League take place.

Give Potter time and he will 'build a team nobody wants to play against,' as he stated in his first interview with the west London club.