Brighton star tells Chelsea to be patient with Graham Potter if they want success

Adam Lallana backs Graham Potter to succeed at Chelsea if he is given time

Speaking on BBC Radio 5Live’s Football Daily (h/t Sussex Live), Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Adam Lallana has backed Graham Potter to succeed at Chelsea on a condition that is given enough time to implement his ideas.

Lallana, a former Liverpool player, was playing under Potter since arriving at the Amex Stadium in 2020. Potter was appointed as the Chelsea manager last month after three-and-a-bit very good seasons at the South Coast.

The former Swansea City manager has taken charge of two games so far at the West London club. He is known for an expansive style of football with great tactical knowledge and being flexible in formations adjusting to each opposition.

Here’s what Lallana said about the 47-year-old’s style of management and backed him to succeed at Chelsea (h/t Sussex Live):

“Listen, he would have walked into that squad and knew straight away he has an unbelievable array of players to choose from, possibly too many. But he will be calm, he will be patient, he won’t be panicking at all. Having said that, they only have one point in the [Champions League] group so far, so there is a bit of pressure on from that perspective.

“But having known Graham [Potter] and knowing the way he works, he will be very methodical in his thinking, very calm in how he speaks to the group and getting his messages across.

And I fully expect him to do a great job there, as long as he is given the time. You know how much pressure these managers are under for instant results, but good things in life do take time and I hope he is given that time. “

The recent history of Chelsea, all of it under former owner Roman Abramovich, has been about hiring managers to win things in a short period of time and then sack them when things start to go awry.

With the new regime in place, the sacking of Thomas Tuchel one week after the transfer window deadline day came as a surprise to everyone. However, Potter has been given a five-year contract. It could refer to the fact that Todd Boehly and Co. are willing to give the new manager some time to implement his ideas.

Regardless of that, the Blues have made a slow start to the season, especially in the Champions League. They are currently at the bottom of their group table after two games. So, the upcoming two games against AC Milan are the ones where they need to get at least four points.

While Chelsea fans are demanding success almost every season, they should also be mindful of the fact that the club is undergoing a transition period with plenty of changes in the coaching and higher-ranked staff.

More Chelsea News:

• Kalidou Koulibaly says he will be ‘ready’ for Olivier Giroud against AC Milan
• Leandro Trossard responds to him being linked with London rivals Chelsea and Arsenal
• Chelsea manager Graham Potter will not indulge in contract talks with N’Golo Kante

While that should not excuse consistently poor results or clear tactical flaws – if any of these issues arise in the future – one must sober up their expectations. No fan would want to go without silverware this season but a modest top four finish and a deep run in the cups should be seen as a good season.