“We know in the changing room”- Chelsea star gives verdict on Graham Potter after win vs Borussia Dortmund

Kai Havertz believes Graham Potter would be an excellent manager for Chelsea

Kai Havertz trusts Graham Potter and considers him an ideal manager for Chelsea Despite calling for the 47-year-old dismissal. After Chelsea’s impressive comeback over Borussia Dortmund, the 23-year-old has backed Graham Potter and has taken aim at the critics.

That was one of the best performances by the Blues this season under Potter, as Chelsea defeated Borussia Dortmund 2-0 in the second leg to go to the Champions League quarter-finals.

Raheem Sterling’s goal and a contentious Kai Havertz penalty, resulting in the German redoing and scoring a second penalty due to intrusion after the post blocked his first attempt, helped the Blues rebound and secure their place in the quarter-finals on a cheerful night at Stamford Bridge after having lost the first leg 1-0 last month.

Once the referee blew the final whistle, there was a hint of enormous reassurance on the former Swansea City manager’s face as he ran to the fans and celebrated with them.

In the previous 12 games, we have witnessed only two victories and one goal from open play. There have been questions about Potter’s management at Chelsea, and how he presents himself has also been pointed out.

However, the former Bayern Leverkusen player has supported him and clearly backed the manager; while speaking to beIN SPORTS (h/t Daily Mail), he said:

“Yeah, of course we know that the pressure is coming at him, but you can see that he is a big manager because in the media, I cannot even believe how many people have to talk about him. We have hundreds of coaches in England; they think they know better than him. But we know in the changing room that he has a big personality, is a big manager for us, and he helps us all a lot—me included.”

Graham Potter with Denis Zakaria and Raheem Sterling.   (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Graham Potter with Denis Zakaria and Raheem Sterling. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images)

Potter undoubtedly needs the players’ support in the media in addition to on the pitch, and against Dortmund, we finally demonstrated our potential. Havertz’s words show that he has the backing of the squad in the dressing room, and there haven’t been any overt indications that players have started turning against him.

We defeated a team that were on a 10-game winning streak, demonstrating the great promise of our team. If we can maintain this form, we may be able to qualify for the Champions League next season.

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Potter did not start the season with us. It’s only fair if we give him time. He could, however, benefit if he is a bit more expressive on the touchline and gives players an earful. But perhaps that is what is relatively unique about him – a manager who doesn’t seem to lose his calm and isn’t needlessly expressive on the touchline.