Mario Melchiot, however, is of the opinion that Potter needs to depart immediately if Chelsea are to finish in the top four in the Premier League. Melchiot, the former defender for Holland, played 165 games over the course of five years at Stamford Bridge.
And he didn’t waste any time in pointing out that Chelsea had devolved into a substandard team under Potter and he needed to be fired if they want to see improvement.
He lived his first campaign of life under Roman Abramovich, who then cruelly fired Claudio Ranieri in 2004 for coming second in the table before appointing Jose Mourinho.
In his previous 15 league games, the former Brighton Hove & Albion manager had only managed two victories. And in all tournaments, the only success in 2023 was a fortunate 1-0 win against Crystal Palace in January.
Chelsea have been eliminated from the FA Cup and could be eliminated by Borussia Dortmund in Europe if they don’t overturn the 1-0 deficit at Stamford Bridge.
The 47-year-old is still said to have Todd Boehly’s and other important Chelsea board members’ support regardless of the results.
But Mechiot believes (h/t The Sun.UK), Chelsea should be ruthless with the former Swansea City manager and sack him the right way. He spoke to the ESPN and said:
“In my time, Graham Potter wouldn’t last; that’s all I can say. When I was playing, no. I feel sorry for him. I know everyone is talking about him, but with results like this… I have to be sorry and make a change.”
The former Chelsea defender is entirely true; under Abramovich, Potter would have been fired 12 times; but football in modern times has evolved.
Potter, who was hired by the American businessman, wants to set aside his own strategy and practise perseverance. Boehly is well aware of the enormous burden he has placed on the 47-year-old by buying so many players, and he is struggling to understand the potential of new signings.
Potter will eventually be able to put his approach into action, but we hope it doesn’t take too long because it could also frustrate Boehly who would ultimately make the final decision on his future.
Chelsea recently loaned Jadon Sancho on a season long load deal from Manchester United. (with an obligation to buy)
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