Graham Potter's days at Stamford Bridge as Chelsea manager could be numbered after the Blues' 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa on Saturday. The 47-year-old faced significant criticism earlier in the year after Chelsea went six without a victory, but in the space of seven days the Blues secured three consecutive wins which including a Champions League knockout triumph over Borussia Dortmund.
Just as things looked set to improve, Chelsea suffered a minor setback prior to the international break with Everton twice coming from behind to secure a point in west London. That small blow soon became a significant one though with the Blues losing at home to Aston Villa on Saturday evening with the supporters inside SW6 letting their feelings known at full time.
"I understand when you lose at home that the emotion of the game that people are going to be disappointed and frustrated and angry," Potter said after the game. "Where we are in the league table, no-one is happy with. Whatever criticism comes I have to accept."
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A large portion of that criticism aimed at Potter was regarding his decision to play Reece James at right centre-back, with Ruben Loftus-Cheek deployed at right wing-back. In James' absence, Loftus-Cheek has been used as a wing-back before, however the England international is now injury-free.
The Blues have suffered issues in defence with Wesley Fofana joining Thiago Silva and Cesar Azpilicueta on the treatment table. However, Benoit Badiashile was available, but was listed on the bench, with James and Marc Cucurella, more convention full-backs, filling two of the three centre back roles.
Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards, like many, was left stunned by the decision to play James in a back three. However, he handed Potter two very clear issues which should be his priority to solve.
"I think tactically Graham Potter has to do more, if I’m being totally honest,’ Richards told BBC’s Match of the Day. "We saw Reece James playing in a back-three, Ruben Loftus-Cheek was playing at right wing-back. Chelsea had so many opportunities down the right-hand side and Reece James should have been there.
"Benoit Badiashile was on the bench and they’ve got Romelu Lukaku at Inter Milan. The whole situation needs sorting ASAP." Despite mounting pressure, Potter will be in charge of Chelsea's mid-week Premier League clash with Liverpool, as per CBS reporter Ben Jacobs.
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