The winter World Cup break has come at a good time for Chelsea and Graham Potter. The former Brighton manager has come under increasing pressure following the Blues' recent performances.
Chelsea's defeat at Newcastle on Saturday evening was the third in a row in the Premier League. In all competitions Potter's side have lost four out of the last five games played.
Following the loss at St James' Park, a handful of supporters began to ask questions of Potter, questioning the 47-year-old's ability to lead the club into a new era. But, as reported by football.london on Saturday, it seems just as many Blues fans have defended Potter and shifted the blame onto Todd Boehly.
READ MORE: Full list of Chelsea transfer targets going to Qatar 2022 World Cup amid Boehly scouting mission
The American billionaire has been scolded for sacking Thomas Tuchel and then throwing the newly-appointed Chelsea boss into the deep end amid a period of turmoil.
Now, despite all the noise on social media, Chelsea's stance on Potter is clear. According to The Athletic, the club’s new owners’ support for Potter and the long-term project they share is unwavering.
The report goes on to say that this was communicated to the 47-year-old earlier this week. However, this should not be mistaken for a vote of confidence, which is normally given when a manager is seemingly close to being sacked.
This stance by Boehly and the Chelsea leadership group is perhaps not surprising. It was always known that it would take time for Potter to get his ideas across and the fact he was given a five-year contract demonstrates this.
"It's not nice to not get results. It's as simple as that but I have to look at why that is and the situation that we've had to deal with," Potter said after the Newcastle defeat.
"It hasn't been straightforward at all. We've had a lot of games, a few injuries to key players, destabilised us, today again you see they're missing. Just had a period that's been incredibly challenging.
"You face four of the teams in the best moment in the Premier League in terms of the version of themselves and that can challenge you as well. As much as we can't accept it, we have to deal with it and try to move forward."
Potter now has six weeks to work with those not travelling to Qatar for the World Cup. The break has undoubtedly come at a welcome time, and Potter wil hope he can turn his fortunes around come December 27 when his side faces Bournemouth.
READ NEXT:
Chelsea fans disagree on Graham Potter verdict as Todd Boehly sent emergency Thomas Tuchel plea
Why Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham could be affected by new Liverpool ownership bid
Why Kai Havertz lost it with Dan Burn as Chelsea frustration comes to fore in loss to Newcastle
Full list of Chelsea players going to Qatar 2022 World Cup with double omission as Gallagher in
Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: Latest news, rumours and gossip from Stamford Bridge
