It is never good to hear boos after a new head coach's first game. As the full-time whistle blew at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night, condemning Chelsea to another irritating result, the sounds of chairs being slammed back into place reflected a general apathy that Graham Potter will have to overcome.
Context is critical here. This game comes a full week after a very popular coach had been dismissed, a decision that has still left many reeling, some even despondent. Even if supporters want to give Potter time and connect to his ideas, the scars will take time to heal, as they did for sections following the sacking of Frank Lampard for different reasons.
What Thomas Tuchel benefitted from in January of 2021 was the absence of crowds. His first game did not give the impression of much improvement. A painstakingly dull 0-0 against Wolves on a bitter winter night did little to signal the transformation that was about to transpire. There would be no vocal sign of frustration from the stands, Tuchel was able to get to work. By the time he did meet Chelsea fans in person against Leicester in May, he had gotten the Blues to a Champions League final. They had taken him to their hearts.
