Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Chelsea manager Graham Potter revealed on Friday that he and his family had received death threats from fans as the Blues sit 10th in the Premier League table with just 31 points after 23 games played.
Potter said during his press conference, via ESPN’s James Olley:
“Things are difficult so nobody wants to hear about the poor old Premier League manager. However, if you ask me a question about ‘is it difficult, is it tough, is it good to hear’, as much as I’ve had support, I’ve received some not particularly nice emails that wanted me to die and my kids to die.
“So obviously it’s not pleasant to receive. But if you asked about it for four months, if you’re under pressure, for four months ‘I’m under pressure, I’m under pressure’, I’m under pressure because you (the media) need to sell things , what do you expect in the end?
“And if we don’t get the results then obviously that’s what happens. That’s football. That’s just the way it is. And the challenge for me is ‘OK, how should I behave’? That’s what I always come back to. goes, the more pressure you have on how you are in preseason.”
Olley added that a Chelsea spokesman confirmed that the club would follow up with authorities over the abuse Potter received from supporters.
Potter is facing mounting pressure at Stamford Bridge following Chelsea’s 1-0 defeat by Southampton, who are bottom of the Premier League table on 18 points, on 18 February.
Furthermore, the Blues have only won two of their last 14 games and lost to Borussia Dortmund 1-0 in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 first leg on 15 February.
One of the biggest criticisms of Potter has been “his laid-back image and perceived lack of passion behind the scenes”, according to Sky Sports, although he hasn’t let that bother him during his time at the club.
“If people think that you can just go from the ninth tier of English football to the fourth tier of Swedish football, climb your way up the pyramid and end up here with an aloof, dispassionate and emotionless personality, then maybe they should give it a try. themselves and see how well they get along,” said Potter.
With the likes of Thiago Silva, Enzo Fernández, Mason Mount, Kai Havertz, Christian Pulisic, João Félix, Raheem Sterling and Reece James in the squad, there’s no reason the club should be struggling as much as they have in recent weeks. , and it will be interesting to see if he can correct the ship’s motion.
Potter has been Chelsea manager since September, replacing Thomas Tuchel just six games into the 2022-23 season. At the time, club owner Todd Boehly expressed confidence in the former Brighton & Hove Albion manager:
“We are thrilled to bring Graham to Chelsea. He is a proven and innovative manager in the Premier League who fits with our vision for the club.
“Not only is he extremely talented on the pitch, he has skills and capabilities that extend beyond the pitch, which will make Chelsea a more successful club. He has had a huge impact on his previous clubs and we look forward to his positive impact. at Chelsea. . We look forward to supporting him, his coaching staff and the squad to realize his full potential in the coming months and years.”
According to Olley, Chelsea still support Potter, “but are mindful of the growing fan unrest”. So while his job seems secure for now, that could change at some point.
Chelsea will face Tottenham on Sunday and Leeds United on March 4 in the Premier League before facing Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 second leg on March 7.