Last night, Graham Potter took charge of his first match in the Champions League. It also turned out to be his first game as Chelsea’s new manager.
I knew it would happen if we didn’t win, but right then and there, some fans started to overreact after the game and write Potter off completely, saying it was the same as Thomas Tuchel, etc., etc., etc. was, something like that. But what did we really expect? Potter miracles?
It was very predictable once the final whistle blew and Chelsea had only managed a draw at home against RB Salzburg. I was just as frustrated and upset that we didn’t win the game. However, the thought process in my mind was always that regardless, and being the same old story in attack and bugs in the back, deep down it has always been obvious that Potter doesn’t have a wand (he doesn’t is Harry) and things were never going to change immensely in ONE GAME! Not only that, he’s only had a few training sessions with these players, so I’m afraid any changes to the system or playstyle will have to wait a bit longer.
Potter has a lot of work to do, but we all knew that. Some of these players just haven’t been good enough and are too inconsistent, we already knew that. So it was no surprise to see us blow another two points in a game we should have buried. If Potter is going to change any of this, he needs time to implement it and people should NOT even think about scrapping it after one damn game.
In any case, there was evidence of improvements and encouragement. The system adjustments he made had a positive impact, such as Raheem Sterling at full-back and the three flat midfielders that allowed Mason Mount to feel more comfortable and also provided additional coverage behind the full-backs giving them freedom. We had a lot more overload in attack and we had some good moments in the game.
It won’t happen overnight, but I genuinely believe that improvements will come. Some of these players just aren’t good enough, of course, and there’s not much a coach can do. But I have faith that we will continue to see some good changes in the team, we just have to have a little patience, as well as maybe get frustrated naturally.
