During his press conference, Chelsea manager Graham Potter addressed two sensitive issues. The first was the European Super League, which sparked outrage among fans and players alike when it was announced in April 2021. Potter, who was at the time with Brighton & Hove Albion, described the idea as “disturbing, sad, and frustrating.” When asked about his stance now that he’s at Chelsea, he simply stated that “his position hasn’t changed” and that success in football should be earned on the field.
The second topic was Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella, who has come under fire from fans for his recent on-field performances. Potter defended Cucurella, saying that “he’s a human being with a private life,” and that while fans pay to watch football, it’s important to remember that players have lives outside of football as well. Potter also stated that Cucurella is a player in whom the club has invested, and it is their responsibility to assist him in bringing out his best on the field.
Potter also revealed that left-back Ben Chilwell had a good week of training and made a brief appearance in the nil-nil draw with Fulham. Forward Joao Felix, who was suspended for three games, is also available for selection. However, midfielder Raheem Sterling is a doubt for tomorrow’s crucial match against West Ham due to a knee injury that will be assessed by the medical team.
Both teams will be on edge as West Ham and Chelsea square off in a local London derby. Tomorrow’s match is sure to be a heated one, with both teams needing points to push forward for the rest of the season, and Chelsea in particular looking to close in on the Champions League places.
As a journalist and a fan, hearing what a manager has to say about these topics is always fascinating. The European Super League is a topic that continues to elicit strong emotions from fans and players alike, and it’s encouraging to see a manager like Graham Potter stand firm in his beliefs. Concerning Marc Cucurella, there is always a fine line between supporting a player and being accountable to the fans. Potter clearly cares about his players’ well-being and will go out of his way to help them succeed both on and off the field.
