Raheem Sterling and Ruben Loftus-Cheek have backed new Chelsea manager Graham Potter
Chelsea duo of Raheem Sterling and Ruben Loftus-Cheek have backed their new manager Graham Potter. Speaking to the club’s media (h/t football.london), the duo gave their thoughts.
Here is the former Manchester City winger speaking about the newly installed Chelsea boss:
“It is still early days with him, but he is getting his message across, and the boys are receiving it well, but it’s about gelling time.”
Loftus-Cheek added in a separate interview:
“It’s been really good. They’re really nice people. Nice to talk to and get to know what the gaffer wants and how he wants us to play. But that’s just from repetition, and it will come. We’re enjoying the next phase and really excited.”
The new era under Potter did start as expected with the Blues drawing at home to RB Salzburg to open their account in this season’s Champions League. Sterling started the game and also gave his side the lead in the 48th minute.
Loftus-Cheek came on for Kai Havertz in the 66th minute but could do nothing to prevent the opposition from getting an equaliser. The Blues currently sit at the bottom of the table and have a task at hand to qualify for the next round.
There were some tactical changes that caught the eye, especially seeing Sterling play as a left wing-back. Marc Cucurella, who should have been playing there, started as left centre-back under the new manager.
Speaking about his new role, Sterling said:
“I played in a slightly different role under the new manager, and it is one I enjoyed playing, out wide. Over time, I will get better. I am happy to play along the front line but he wanted me out wide, getting at the full-back, getting in the box and creating chances. The more time under him [Potter] I think the better it will be for us.”
New summer signings Kalidou Koulibaly and Wesley Fofana were on the bench as the old guards of Cesar Azpilicueta and Thiago Silva started at the defence. Havertz played in his natural position as a number 10, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang leading the line.
Chelsea were dominant throughout the game and only a silly mistake at the back cost them all three points. Considering that it was a competition in which Potter has never managed before, his side fared well enough, though that was not enough.
Aubameyang and Kepa Arrizabalaga also backed their new manager and his managerial team. Both the players started the game under Potter and will hope to continue doing so, especially the latter. Kepa has been demoted to back-up goalkeeper at the west London club, but now has the opportunity to get back his number one position.
More Chelsea News:
- Rafael Leao wants to sign a new contract with AC Milan despite Chelsea interest
- Rafael van der Vaart hopes Hakim Ziyech leaves Chelsea for the good of his career
- Aubameyang talked about the sacking of Tuchel and his priority at Chelsea
The Blues will now play their next game on October 1 against Crystal Palace. Their game last week and the one this weekend have both been postponed. Potter has ample time to implement his tactics and fans will hope for a win in their next game.
