Chelsea manager Graham Potter believes he is in the most ‘challenging’ period of his managerial career. His 2-0 win over Bournemouth on Tuesday ended a six-game winless run at home, thanks to goals from Kai Havertz and Mason Mount.
“It was a time as challenging as my time as a coach,” said Potter. “But you know, we are Chelsea and people don’t want to hear why or excuses. You have to keep going and do your best to find answers.”
Despite the positive results, Potter suffered a further injury blow as Reece James retired early in the second half after recurring knee injuries that caused him to miss the World Cup. rice field. It was James’ first appearance since limping against AC Milan in October.
N’Golo Kante and Wesley Fofana have recently experienced setbacks as their returns approach and Potter was asked if Chelsea’s long absentee list was simply due to bad luck.
“I don’t think you should throw it all over the edge,” he replied. “Of course there is an element of luck, and like I said, other things will happen. But it’s for us to learn and try to do better. It’s been a challenging season.” I don’t know how the preseason was, I wasn’t here so I can’t comment.”
Chelsea move to Nottingham Forest, second from the bottom, on New Year’s Day. All three of his top-flight wins for the Steve Cooper-led team so far have come at the City Ground, so Potter expects a difficult afternoon.
“You have to always be vigilant in the Premier League,” he said. The job is tremendous and he is a great coach.
“The atmosphere will be hostile. It’s high, it’s quality, it’s going to fight for points, and we have to be ready.”
Potter has Mateo Kovacic and Hakim Ziyech (who played in the World Cup) available, but goalkeeper Edouard Mendy remains in doubt.