CHELSEA have endured a horrid Premier League run so far this year under manager Graham Potter.
But the Blues’ co-controlling owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali refuse to sack Potter, even though he has only won two of his last 14 Prem games, of which he has lost six.
According to the Telegraph, there are various reasons why the West Londoners are willing to give the under-fire 47-year-old tactician more time.
The ex-Brighton boss has had a number of key players on the injured list ever since taking on from Thomas Tuchel in September.
The board appreciates that Potter has been missing a number of his stars this season and still puts his medical team’s advice over his own best interest.
He did just that on Saturday’s embarrassing loss to Southampton and omitted Reece James as well as Thiago Silva and benched Kai Havertz, Raheem Sterling and Mykhaylo Mudryk, all of whom risked significant injury.
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Potter has been criticised for lacking grit in the dugout or post-match interviews and being “swallowed up by the job”.
But in reality Boehly and Eghbali have noticed the manager becoming upset and having tough conversations with players in the dressing room or during individual meetings.
And the board appreciates the fact their head coach doesn’t point fingers at others during public interviews after a poor result like some of his predecessors.
The powers that be also recognise Potter’s “bravery” as he took a big gamble leaving a stable environment at Brighton to risk his reputation at a stormy camp left behind by Tuchel.
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Plus, Boehly and Eghbali knew their bid to rebuild Chelsea after last summer’s takeover from Roman Abramovich wouldn’t be without challenges.
The powerful duo predicted it would take at least a year as well as three transfer windows and were prepared for a scenario filled with “ups and downs”.
The board is confident Potter can still turn the tide if he gets more time as the January signings are more in line with his philosophy.
They are thought to be following the example of Manchester City where manager Pep Guardiola and director of football Txiki Begiristain needed a year to turn their club into champions after a trophyless debut season.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
