Chelsea's recent lack of form under Graham Potter may hark back to some advice the side received from Jose Mourinho back in 2019. The former boss discussed standards surrounding the west London outfit as they struggled to hit the heights under Frank Lampard at the time.
Plenty has changed at the club in that time, including a switch in management twice and a whole new ownership regime at the helm. Thomas Tuchel became widely popular in succeeding Lampard with a number of trophy successes, though Boehly-Clearlake's takeover saw him replaced by Potter for their new project.
The head coach has struggled to match expectations though, recording just two wins in their last 15 clashes, causing plenty of unrest and mounting pressure. "My job isn’t to worry about that too much," Potter told reporters on his future after defeat to Tottenham at the weekend.
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"I understand the question and where it comes from, but I have to try to focus on keeping on helping the team and supporting the players. I really like these players, they’re good lads. They want to do better and want to win. But at the moment we’re suffering and that is my responsibility."
Another point raised in recent weeks has been questions over standards at the club, with some supporters not taking praise from Potter towards his players, despite defeat, too well. One of those that may not agree with the current manager is ex-boss Mourinho, who was critical of similar under Lampard in 2019.
"When you start accepting defeats just because your team played well and just because your players gave their best, a performance for people to be proud of… I think when you get used to it, that’s when the big clubs stop being big clubs," Mourinho said, taking aim at Lampard.
Similar may ring true at Chelsea, who are in the middle of one of their greatest challenges in recent years as they transition towards the new project. It remains to be seen whether Potter will be part of that for the foreseeable future, however he faces an immediate fight to turn things around.
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