Graham Potter sacked by Chelsea. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
Chelsea manager Graham Potter has warned his side not to take Nottingham Forest lightly and believes that the atmosphere at the City Ground will be “hostile”.
The Blues were dominant in their last game and ended 2022 in a perfect way winning 2-0 against Bournemouth. The trip to Forest will be the first of many games that Potter and co will play in 2023 and fans will hope for much better results during the second half of the season.
Forest have been struggling in the league this season. After securing promotion in May to the Premier League, The Tricky Trees are currently 19th on the table, having only three of their 16 games so far.
However, while speaking ahead of the clash, as quoted in Football. London (h/t Nottingham Post), Potter warned his side to not take their opponents lightly as fans will hope for a perfect New Year’s gift.
“You always have to be wary in the Premier League. Forest got a fantastic result against Liverpool before the break and I have huge respect for Steve Cooper and the job he has done there. He is a fantastic coach.”
“So they’ll be ready and the atmosphere will be hostile I’m sure. It’s their first year back in the Premier League for a long, long time and every game – especially Chelsea coming to town – is a big game for them. They’ll be motivated, have quality, and be fighting for the points. So we have to be ready.”
It will be the first time since February 1999 that the west London side will travel to the famous old stadium for a Premier League game. The Blues won the last game 3-1 and Potter will hope for a similar result again on Sunday (January 1).
The two sides have met a total of 10 times, with the Blues having won four games, while the Trees have won on three occasions. Three games have ended in a draw and Potter and the fans will hope to increase the tally and make it five wins tomorrow.
Chelsea need to win games if they are to qualify for the UEFA Champions League next season. The Blues are currently ninth with 24 points, six behind fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur, although we have played one less game than our neighbours.
It remains to be seen how the Blues start their New Year tomorrow. Fans will hope for a win, while securing three points against Forest could help us in our pursuit of a Champions League place in the long run.
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