Despite Chelsea’s loss vs Fulham, Graham Potter has pleaded with the supporters to exercise tolerance
Graham Potter is in the spotlight as the manager’s credibility has once again been compounded by the defeat at Fulham, but the former Brighton & Hove Albion boss has pleaded with the supporters to have patience.
Speaking during the post-match interview following his team’s 2-1 loss against Fulham at Craven Cottage (h/t Guardian), Potter stated that he needs the support of the fans.
“I can also understand that they are frustrated because we’ve lost. That is normal. I made sure I went over and clapped them because you appreciate the support. It’s not easy.”
“We’re suffering, and they are suffering. So we feel for them and feel their disappointment. I think it’s important we stick together and try to get through this tough period, because it really is a tough period.”
With the 2-1 loss to Fulham means the England manager has only won two games in 10 outings in all competitions, and the 47-year-old may need more time to turn things around.
However, Chelsea got off to a strong start in the game thanks to new January addition Joao Felix, who put up an impressive showing before receiving a harsh red card for his appalling tackle on Kenny Tete after 58 minutes.
But Chelsea gave up early in the 25th minute when William, an ex-Chelsea player, put Fulham ahead with a low shot after the ball took a significant deflection off Trevoh Chalobah, giving Kepa Arrizabalaga no chance to prevent it.
The Blues had their equaliser two minutes into the second half as Kalidou Koulibaly pounced on a Mason Mount free-kick. Fulham were able to regain their lead when Carlos Vinicius scored a header against Kepa in the 72nd minute, and after that, things never looked positive.
However, the West Londoners came close to equalising when Koulibaly found Kai Havertz with a looping cross, but the German’s shot was saved, and the Blues suffered another massive setback that could make one question if Potter is the right man anymore.
It’s understandable that fans are livid because we rarely experienced a situation like this during the Roman Abramovich era. He had a habit of letting managers go after a few poor performances. It’s hard to wonder why Thomas Tuchel was fired by Todd Boehly, but hopefully, that abruptness isn’t shown here with Potter.
More Chelsea News:
- Chelsea will make a decision on the future of David Datro Fofana in the second half of January
- Pep Guardiola urges Chelsea owner Todd Boehly to give Graham Potter time
- Chelsea target Wilfried Zaha could only leave Crystal Palace in the summer
While it is true that supporters are losing tolerance, we must exercise patience with Potter and respect his remarks because he desperately needs our support. If it wasn’t for Felix’s red card, this game could have been in our favour. Moreover, injuries don’t help.
When we had a nearly fully-fit squad, Potter’s Chelsea weren’t doing shabby at all. Let’s wait for the season’s end and see how things pan out. This was anyway going to be a season of transition.