Chelsea make decision over Graham Potter’s future after ‘painful’ Aston Villa defeat

Chelsea have made a decision over the future of Graham Potter following the club’s 2-0 loss to Aston Villa in the Premier League.

Ollie Watkins’ lob over Kepa Arrizabalaga in the 18th minute and John McGinn’s strike 11 minutes into the second half inflicted defeat on Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening.

Chelsea had their chances but they were made to pay for their lack of quality in both the defensive and attacking phases.

After an unbeaten March, Chelsea’s gradual increase in confidence and reduction in pressure was short-lived come the full-time whistle in the capital, with audible boos echoing around the ground.

Potter was subjected to chants of ‘getting sacked in the morning’ by both sets of fans as Chelsea supporters joined in with the travelling Aston Villa faithful.

Calls are increasing for the Chelsea hierarchy to dismiss Potter just seven months after he was appointed, which saw the Blues spend £21.5 million to bring the 47-year-old and his backroom team to the club.

However, no decision has been made in that regard, with Adrian Kajumba reporting that the backing of the head coach ‘remains intact’.

It remains business as usual at Chelsea, although recently sacked Julian Nagelsmann has his admirers at Stamford Bridge following his Bayern Munich departure last month.

There is an ‘undoubted desire’ among the club’s hierarchy to make things work with Potter and they won’t do anything drastic, with the stance ‘unwavering’ despite the growing calls from supporters.

Chelsea have an extremely challenging April ahead of them. It continues on Tuesday against Liverpool, and Real Madrid (twice) and Arsenal still await them later this month.

Potter issued an apology to fans post-match, telling Chelsea’s in-house media: “My apologies to the supporters. I know you want us to win and do better than we are. We need your support on Tuesday night and we will give it everything.”

The Chelsea head coach insists his side are accepting the responsibility and acknowledge they must improve to meet the expectations and demands of supporters, all of whom are used to winning games and trophies on a frequent basis.

He added: “They’re professional footballers, they play for Chelsea, they understand the demand, they understand what it is, where we are, they’re not stupid. They accept the responsibility, they’re honest, they want to do better.

“We’re there fighting for each other and fighting together so there’s no complaints for how the supporters respond.”