Graham Potter’s first game in charge of Chelsea did not go as planned. The Blues were held to a 1-1 draw against RB Salzburg at Stamford Bridge in the UEFA Champions League. The pattern of the game was similar to that under Tuchel: domination of possession but a lack of creativity in front of goal. This begs the question: will there be double standards at Chelsea under Potter?
Potter’s instructions were clear as Chelsea moved the ball faster and played with more expression. Up until the final third. This is where Chelsea’s play often broke up, similar to what was seen under Tuchel.
Tuchel’s sacking came as a surprise given the fans adoration for the former manager, as well as the Club backing him with close to £300million spent in the most recent transfer window. Many expected the German to be given time to implement his ideas on his newly strengthened squad.
Graham Potter will be hoping to be given something that his predecessor was not afforded enough of: time. And since Potter was appointed by Todd Boehly himself, it seems as if the new Chelsea owner is willing to be patient with the Englishman.
Potter is a project manager and is relatively inexperienced in terms of being in charge of a big club. His Brighton side had gained a reputation over the past few seasons for playing the most attractive football in the Premier League outside of the traditional ‘Big Six’ clubs. Potter will get Chelsea playing a better brand of football, but it will take time, something that we are yet to see a Blues’ manager afforded.
Given Potter’s inexperience, Chelsea may find it harder to go deep in cup competitions, with Potter’s Brighton not making it past the fifth round in either the FA Cup or Carabao Cup.
A lack of major success at Chelsea often leads to a manager losing his job. Just ask Conte, Mourinho or Sarri who all won silverware but were dismissed soon after.
Although it seemed as if Todd Boehly might be following Roman Abramovich’s mandate of instant success or be sacked after the Tuchel dismissal, Potter may be on the advantageous side of what seems to be double standards at Chelsea by being given time to mould the side in his image. Either that or Chelsea are moving away from the era of hiring-and-firing managers based on instant success.