Pep Guardiola has called for Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly to hand head coach Graham Potter more time in his role after his side were beaten for the second time in three days to Manchester City.
Two goals from Riyad Mahrez and one each from Julian Alvarez and Phil Foden ensured City of their place in the fourth round of the FA Cup. Chelsea were poor on the day at the Etihad Stadium and it led to some chants from the away end about former head-coach and ex-owner Thomas Tuchel and Roman Abramovich, respectively.
However, despite the pressure on Potter, his opposite number Guardiola believes he needs more time in his role. He mentioned about how every manager needs more than one season, other than the time he was at Barcelona and he had the privilege of working with the great Lionel Messi.
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"I would say to Todd Boehly, that it was a pleasure to meet him, so give him time," the City boss said. "I know in the big clubs, results are important but I would say give him time.
"So, I think, the second-half is what he is. What he has done in Brighton was outstanding. All managers need time, he is right.
"We need time every season. In Barcelona there was a reason because I had Messi there, I didn't need two seasons: one was enough. To play against City when we are at this level in Carabao Cup or here is not easy for Graham, for Chelsea or for any team."
Chelsea are now out of both domestic cup competitions and sit bang in mid-table in the Premier League. The defeat at the Etihad Stadium was their sixth loss in nine games in all competitions.
Potter admitted after the game that his Chelsea side are "suffering" at the moment. He will, however, keep working with his squad to try and find the right solution to the multiple problems he is facing right now.
"The results in a small space of time aren't positive," Potter said. "You can make excuses and look for reasons, or you can say that it isn't good enough and both of those answers are correct. Clearly we're suffering and it's not nice but it is where we are at the moment."
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