Graham Potter hints at what formation Chelsea could use vs Borussia Dortmund. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
Speaking in the press conference ahead of the Fulham game (h/t Football.London), Chelsea boss Graham Potter has admitted the fact that there will be awkward conversations on the subject of player inclusion in squads.
Chelsea signed seven players during the January transfer window, including breaking the British transfer record to buy Enzo Fernandez and paying a high price to get Mykhailo Mudryk. They have also got a high-profile in Joao Felix on loan from Atletico Madrid for the rest of this season.
According to Sky Sports, the club can only register three new signings for the Champions League. With Malo Gusto loaned back to Lyon and Andrey Santos waiting for his work permit, Potter needs to pick three players from the six new signings who are at the club.
Here’s what the boss said when asked about the awkward conversations (h/t Football.London):
“Of course, there will be a few awkward questions and conversations, that is the reality of where we are. Only eleven can play and only a certain amount can be in squads, so there will always be players who are disappointed. It’s about being as honest, open, respectful, and transparent as you can.
“It’s important to create an environment where you respect the fact that players want to play and respect the fact players want to compete and help he team. But they have to be patient and be ready to play, perform and help us win.”
On the other hand, while there are no restrictions in the Premier League, there is a 25-player limit. Hence, if Potter wants to include all of his new signings in the domestic squad, a few from the existing squad may make way.
There is no surprise at the arrival of this issue. When the club was signing players left, right and centre, Potter and his staff must have realised that this is going to be a tedious task of keeping unregistered players happy till the end of this season.
Could Chelsea have done more in shipping out players before the deadline to clear out more spaces in the squad? Possibly so. They only sold Jorginho, while Hakim Ziyech was left stranded in Paris after his loan move to Paris-Saint Germain was cancelled following a mishap by the Blues in sending the requisite documents across.
We can only hope that Potter can manage the egos and potential negative vibes coming from the players who won’t be involved for the remainder of this season. It is an important period for the manager because the pressure is on him to deliver following this massive financial backing in the transfer window.
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