Graham Potter believes he has the hardest job in football at Chelsea owing to a combination of factors and compounded by an injury crisis.
Potter, however, said he was not looking for sympathy as he tries to salvage the English football club’s season amid an injury crisis and after a summer of radical change across all areas of the club.
Potter held a meeting with four senior players on Tuesday – the captain, César Azpilicueta, Thiago Silva, Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic – and he knows that transition is almost a dirty word at Chelsea, excuses are irrelevant.
All that Potter can do is find a way to absorb the criticism and justify the faith of the co-owners, Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali, who appointed him last September after they sacked Thomas Tuchel.
Boehly and Eghbali took over from Roman Abramovich at the end of May and have restructured the club, leading to the departures of Bruce Buck, Marina Granovskaia and Petr Cech.
Potter said expectations have remained high at Stamford Bridge in spite of a change in ownership in May.
That was when a consortium headed by Todd Boehly completed a 4.25 billion pounds (5.17 billion dollars) take-over and restructured the club.
“The reality of where the club is in terms of establishing itself as a well-run football club that functions well in a really competitive environment, maybe we’re not there yet.
“I obviously didn’t think we’d lose 10 first-team players (to injury)… I also acknowledge that I am the head coach and when we lose I’m to blame.”
Chelsea supporters sang the name of former owner Roman Abramovich, who oversaw unprecedented success over nearly two decades in control, during Sunday’s 4-0 defeat at Manchester City.
They also sang that of Potter’s predecessor Thomas Tuchel during the same game.
“I’m not after pity, I’m really grateful and privileged to be here,” Potter said.
“This club was run a certain way for 20 years and run really well. I have a lot of respect for the previous owner and what they achieved.
“We have to build things up again… This is a new era, a new chapter. We’re going through some pain, it’s difficult at the moment. I understand the frustration and appreciate the support.”
