Chelsea manager Graham Potter is facing a fight to keep his job at Stamford Bridge as pressure mounts on the coach during a difficult patch of form in his tenure. The former Brighton boss saw his side's dismal run without a win extend at the weekend as they fell to a defeat at the hands of London rivals Tottenham.
The first half played out a fiery encounter as brawls broke out across the pitch, with plenty of confusion around a potential sending off for Hakim Ziyech that was overturned. While it was goalless at the break, Oliver Skipp's long-range strike minutes into the second half opened proceedings before Harry Kane's simple finish from a corner succumbed the Blues to defeat.
"My job isn’t to worry about that too much," Potter responded after the game when asked about his future. "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."
READ MORE:
The loss means that the west London outfit remain tenth in the Premier League, but the gap to fourth has now extended to 14 points, becoming an even tougher task to chase down. It means further calls for a change in management have followed, with pressure continuing to mount on the board to make a switch.
While the overarching message has been that of backing for their first appointment, the Telegraph reports that their patience is set to be tested, with Todd Boehly handing an ultimatum. That's as Potter has been handed a potential "make or break" two games, facing Leeds United in the Premier League before their second-leg tie against Borussia Dortmund in the round of 16 in the Champions League.
It is said that if the manager fails to win either game, then it could result in his dismissal, with Leeds slumping around the relegation zones and Dortmund leading from the first leg of the tie. It is also added that senior players are starting to hold concern over the current run the side are on.
It all points towards a tough task for the management staff to turn things around, with the need for short-term results greater than ever. Time will only tell if they are able to do just that.
Have your say on the Potter situation via our poll below
READ NEXT:
Why Ben Chilwell vented fury to Graham Potter as Chelsea set to miss Thiago Silva's genius
What Enzo Fernandez did after Chelsea defeat as Reece James delivers Graham Potter verdict
Four things learned as Chelsea's Tottenham loss sees Graham Potter Liverpool comment wear thin
Every word Graham Potter said on his future, Chelsea goalscoring, Silva injury, Kovacic absence
Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from Stamford Bridge
