Rafael Benitez warns Graham Potter about the expectations at Chelsea
Speaking to Sky Sports (h/t Metro), former Chelsea manager Rafael Benitez has warned new manager Graham Potter regarding expectations at Stamford Bridge to always win irrespective of the style of play.
Benitez, who has managed Chelsea’s rivals Liverpool in the past and more recently worked at Everton, spent seven months managing the Blues between November 2012 and June 2013. He won the Europa League before departing the club.
When asked about Potter, the 62-year-old was complimentary of the former Brighton and Hove Albion manager. But, he talked about how some clubs, who are in a “comfortable” mid-table position do not pressurise their managers to win every game of football. Hence, Potter had the time to implement what he wanted there and be successful in it.
Here’s what Benitez had to say regarding Potter and his time on the south coast:
“He did a great job [at Brighton]. When you have good ideas and they give you time, you can develop something, so the environment was good for him.
[But] I always use the example of Getafe [in La Liga]. There are too many teams like Getafe in the comfortable zone.
What is the difference if you finish 10th or 11th? Nothing. Between 8th and 15th, maybe you donβt really have any issues. You can play the style you want, if you lose it does not matter because you have the next game.”
Benitez followed that up by talking about how the situation will be different at Chelsea. He pointed out that the managers there have to win. Failing to do that will put them under pressure, regardless of the style of play.
“He has to be in the top four, he has to challenge for trophies. It is another weight. The fans will be demanding.
You have to win, you have to compete against Manchester City, Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal and Tottenham.
It will be more demanding for him. He has the knowledge, can he [do it at Chelsea?] We will see in the future.”
Potter was appointed a day after Thomas Tuchel was sacked following the defeat to Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League.
Although the Englishman has signed a five-year contract with Chelsea with an assurance of time from the owners, the fans at Chelsea do demand that their team competes for the big trophies every season. Whether that perspective has changed under new ownership, only time will tell.
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After a draw against RB Salzburg in the Champions League in his first game in charge, Potter will take his team to Selhurst Park to play Crystal Palace in the Premier League on October 1. The manager would be hoping to get a win under his belt there to build the confidence of the squad.