Chelsea manager Graham Potter appears to be feeling the pressure at Stamford Bridge after calling a crisis meeting with four of the most senior players in his team.
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The talks were held after the former Brighton boss admitted life in West London has been a struggle in recent weeks having overseen just one win from Chelsea’s last eight games.
Ahead of Chelsea’s trip to Fulham on Thursday, Potter revealed his meeting with the elder statesmen of the group. “I spoke really at length yesterday with Thiago, Cesar Azpilicueta, Jorgi, Kova – we had a really good conversation,” he said.
“They again showed their qualities as people. They were honest, articulated their concerns well. They articulated their positivity, the articulated their responsibility. And I think we are in a place where we can move forward.
“When you lose, or don’t get the results, it is painful, it really is. It affects your family. As much as you try to have balance and perspective, I am a human as well and it is a struggle.
“At the same time, you have to take responsibility ultimately. What am I going to do? Be the Chelsea manager and not expect pressure, trouble, challenge, stress? It would be strange of me to do that.”
Morale around the club has been at least slightly lifted by the arrival of Atletico Madrid’s Joao Felix on loan for the remainder of the season.
“Joao’s a quality player, can make a difference in the final third of the pitch, is young but has obviously had a lot of really good experience,” the Chelsea boss added. “He’s a quality player that gives everyone a lift.”
Potter recently addressed fan unrest after the club supporters appeared to turn on the 47-year-old as they chanted Thomas Tuchel’s name during their 4-0 defeat by Manchester City last Sunday.
“We need to stay together as group, support each other, and I’m sure we will get the support of the supporters when we see good performances and results,” he added.
Potter added: “I’m working with the players and I don’t feel the sense of any players with a poor attitude.
“Everyone wants to try to do better but we’re going through a bad moment and in these moments, you need somebody to blame.”
