A new side of Potter
Very few Chelsea supporters developed an emotional connection with Graham Potter during the early weeks of his tenure as head coach at Stamford Bridge. Disappointing performances and results played their part, but Potter's prosaic press conferences were also to blame.
The concern was Potter was simply too nice, that he perhaps didn't quite have the edge required to lead a club at the very top level of the European game. Yet in the aftermath of Chelsea's 2-0 victory over Bournemouth yesterday, the 47-year-old showed he isn't afraid to challenge fans' perceptions.
"I’m not naive, I know there will be people saying I’m not good, or this or that. It’s happened throughout my career," Potter explained during his post-match press conference. "If you go back to Ostersunds and go on a website from my first 18 months [in charge]...Potter was rubbish.
READ MORE Every word Graham Potter said on Chelsea victory, Reece James, Mason Mount, fan frustration
"So that is normal. There will be people in this room who think the same but I can probably give you a lot of evidence to suggest otherwise. Thankfully, they [the Chelsea owners] have a similar opinion."
It's this side of Potter that has rarely been seen – at least publicly – following his arrival from Brighton in September. There is an edge to the comments, a confidence, a self-belief that resonates with supporters. It is why many fans responded positively, although admittedly aided by the panacea of a Premier League victory.
Such a shift in tone was required on Potter's part. There is still much work to be done and what happens on the pitch will always supersede what happens in front of the television cameras before and after matches. Yet through his display of authority, Potter has taken the first step toward winning over his many doubters.
The return of a classic
Ahead of yesterday's clash at Stamford Bridge, Bournemouth head coach Gary O'Neil was asked how he had prepared his side for the game. His response was revealing. "It was a difficult one to prepare for because Graham plays about 15 different formations," O'Neil said. "It was a tricky one to predict."
Potter favoured a back-three system prior to the World Cup break, but that was replaced yesterday by a more familiar 4-3-3. Across the pitch, there were square pegs in square holes and it resulted in Chelsea performing excellently and opening up a two-goal lead by the interval.
Kai Havertz scored Chelsea's first and impressed as the No. 9. Mason Mount added the second and will want to continue playing in midfield in the weeks and months ahead. The two wide players, Christian Pulisic and Raheem Sterling, both threatened. Denis Zakaria provided energy in the middle of the pitch. Jorginho pulled strings. And the back four defended well when needed.
There will be tougher tests ahead for the Blues and Potter, while the frustrating injury issues may force his hand in terms of the team's shape. But much of Chelsea's success down the years has been built on a 4-3-3 system and it was promising to see it work effectively once more at Stamford Bridge.
January priority is clear
The roar that greeted Reece James' introduction prior to kick-off echoed around Stamford Bridge. For the first time since mid-October, the academy graduate was back in the starting XI. And for a little under 50 minutes against Bournemouth, all appeared well for James and for Chelsea.
Unfortunately, one twist too many forced James down to the turf. That he instinctively placed his hand on his right knee was not a good sign, nor was the clear anguish etched across the face of the 23-year-old as he left the Stamford Bridge pitch. "It’s the same area [he injured previously] so we’re concerned, " said Potter. "We’ll have to see in the next 24/48 hours.
“Reece is a world-class player. You see it from the outside but it’s not until you work with him how good he is. He is an incredible player, one who would fit into any team in the world. Any team would miss him.”
Chelsea supporters know that only too well. Injuries have become a recurring theme for James over the past year and the Blues have struggled to remain competitive during his absences. Cesar Azpilicueta, now 33 years old, doesn't possess the same physical dominance or technical ability in the final third. Ruben Loftus-Cheek, meanwhile, is not a natural wing-back.
A capable deputy at right-back is required, one who can take the strain and pressure off James. Chelsea were always set to be searching for one in the forthcoming January transfer window, but it has now become a priority.
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