Graham Potter has revealed details of his five-minute chat with Pep Guardiola following Chelsea’s last match against Manchester City in November.
Chelsea face City in a double-header this week, hosting them in the Premier League on Thursday and then at the Etihad Stadium in the FA Cup on Sunday.
After Chelsea lost 2-0 to City in the Carabao Cup in November, Potter and Guardiola had a conversation and Potter and explained what was said.
“He understands the challenges we have here and he is facing similar ones himself,” Potter said. “It was just a conversation after a game that you have.
“I spoke with Steve [Cooper] after the game [against Nottingham Forest] and it was a similar conversation. It’s nice the managers can speak because it’s complicated when you’re on the touchline, there are emotions and we’re fighting for the points.
“But after it is nice to speak and talk about the game.”
Chelsea’s run of one win in eight games in all competitions has many supporters frustrated with Potter.
He understands that the run is not good enough but believes comments from people like Guardiola show that he has what it takes to turn Chelsea into a winning side again.
“You understand that when results aren’t like you want them to be, there are always people that will question you,” Potter said. “And because you’re a human being and you don’t do everything perfectly – and there is always room to improve – it’s not like the people criticising you are 100 per cent wrong. You can get that.
“But I think if you did the research on football, and not just Pep, other people in the game who’ve played against my teams and watched the work I’ve done, there is a general level of respect.
“There is certainly from my perspective to him because he is a fantastic person but also because of what he has achieved as a football and coach. It’s amazing.”
