Chelsea have used their club website to fire back at Jurgen Klopp and Fulham supporters over criticism of their spending in the January transfer window.
The Blues splashed out well over £300million in January to sign Enzo Fernandez, Mykhaylo Mudryk, Joao Felix on loan, Benoit Badashile, Malo Gusto, Andrey Santos, Noni Madueke and David Datro Fofana. That outlay came after a similar splurge in the summer, which saw eight players arrive for over £250m.
The club’s approach since Todd Boehly’s consortium took over last May has sparked comments from rival clubs, with Klopp, Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta among those asked about Chelsea’s spending.
"I say nothing without my lawyer," joked Klopp. "I don't understand this part of the business but it's a big number. They are all really good players, so congratulations. I don't understand how it's possible, but it's not for me to explain how it works."
Klopp’s take clearly ruffled some feathers at Stamford Bridge, because Chelsea published an article on Monday entitled "Potter unfazed by opposition jibes". As well as name-checking the Liverpool manager, the article also noted Fulham fans who sang "What a waste of money" at £105m midfielder Fernandez during their 0-0 draw on Friday.
Potter has responded to the outside noise around the Blues’ spending by insisting that Chelsea’s rivals are merely jealous. “It’s normal,” Potter said.
HAVE YOUR SAY! Are rival clubs simply jealous of Chelsea's wealth or is their sniping legitimate? Comment below.
“We’ve spent the money we’ve spent. The media aren’t going to let that go under the radar. All of football will be singing that song, that’s for sure. Everybody is entitled to their opinion. There’s free speech, which is good. I don’t worry about that.
“Envy isn’t a good quality to have. I’ve never been envious of anybody. I’ve tried to work and do the best I can in the circumstances I have. You’re best to compare to yourself rather than somebody else because you don’t know the context or the situation. I also understand that’s the world we’re in, and that’s fine by me.”
Potter added: “Most managers would love to be in my position. It’s a fantastic football club and a really exciting time. You should never really compare yourself to somebody else because you don’t know their circumstances. All you can do is try to improve yourself.
“Anybody that works here should be excited and grateful and happy, because it’s a fantastic football club.”
Despite his positive outlook, Potter is under huge pressure for results at Chelsea after the draw with Fulham left them ninth in the Premier League table, 10 points off the top four. Recent reports have suggested that former Spain manager Luis Enrique is being lined up by Chelsea as a replacement for Potter, who has won just nine of his 22 games in charge.
Chelsea face West Ham next in the Premier League before the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie against Borussia Dortmund.
