William Gallas, patiently persuaded by Graham Potter, argues that not qualifying for the Champions League could play into the hands of the Blues.
What did Gallas say about Graham Potter?
Chelsea have invested heavily in the last two transfer windows, shattering a British recruiting record in January when they lured Enzo Fernandez out of Benfica for £106.8m ($131m), but on-field consistency has proved difficult. The Blues are sort of in the top four right now, but William Gallas believes the lack of elite European action – providing a big mid-week distraction throughout any campaign – could help a no-fire coach find his feet and live up to expectations at Stamford Bridge.
When asked if Graham Potter would see his debut season in west London, ex-Chelsea player William Gallas said: “I think it’s up to the owner, it’s his choice. I think Chelsea should give Graham Potter another season because he joined the club when the season started which is always hard for any manager so it’s hard to judge him properly and for me he should stay in. We know in football a manager can be sacked at any moment but I think he deserves opportunity to show the club what he can do because he did well at Brighton. Maybe Potter can do it in the Blues. We’ll see at the end of the 2024 season if he’s capable of running a top club.”
William added on the benefit of missing out on a top four finish: “Sometimes when you’re not playing in the Champions League, good things can happen. We’ve seen that with the Blues when Conte was in charge and won the league. If the Blues don’t have it next season, If there is Champions League football, then it can be easier for Potter and the club because there is not much pressure and it allows them to focus on the Premier League.”
What will happen after this?
The Blues went to a goalless derby with the Cottagers for the last time, meaning Graham have won just nine of their 22 games at the helm and Chelsea are ninth in the Premier League table – 10 points drifting away from the Champions League spots.
The Chelsea head coach opened up new signing Mudryk was sidelined part-time against Cottagers as he was suffering from a cold.
How was everything?
After a somewhat disheartened first half, the part-time Ukrainian against Cottagers was unhooked by the Chelsea manager. Graham Potter has figured out why the new £89m man was torn off in a goalless draw between West London rivals, he wasn’t brought in due to his performance. “He’s had a bad cold this week,” Graham Potter said. Mykhailo Mudryk felt like a leg heavy part time and we didn’t want to take any chances with him, he is still in the process where we are building up his minutes due to the break he spent in Ukraine.”
A little about the topic
Mykhailo had zero shots, created zero chances and completed zero take-offs on his debut at Stamford Bridge on Friday night. While it is now clear why he is underperforming, Blues fans will be hoping for much more in the coming weeks and months after spending so much on him.