Chelsea make instant decision over Graham Potter’s future after Dortmund & Southampton defeats

As things stand, Chelsea are maintaining their position of backing head coach Graham Potter, according to reports.

The 47-year-old is coming under increasing pressure from supporters after they suffered a 1-0 defeat to Southampton, who are bottom of the Premier League and without a permanent manager after the sacking of Nathan Jones last week.

Chelsea were dismal against the Saints and were punished for more missed chances, errors and a below-par performance when James Ward-Prowse’s free-kick in first half stoppage time found the net.

It follows the defeat in Germany on Wednesday night which had some positives, but the negativity quickly descended on Stamford Bridge come full-time on Saturday when David Coote blew his full-time whistles.

Boos were audible and supporters started to turn en masse, with Potter recognising the frustrating during the tough times. Chelsea have won just two league games from their previous 14.

“After a 1-0 defeat at home, any criticism you get is understandable,” Potter told reporters at full time.

“We’ve had a tough period and are integrating young players into the Premier League. When results don’t go your way it’s tough.

“I’m not arrogant enough to say that their opinion isn’t worth articulating. My job is to help the team and work through a team period. The truth is we took as step back with our performance in the first half. Our response in the second half was good, but it wasn’t enough.”

However, the Chelsea hierarchy are still backing the man they appointed last September on a five-year contract.

As reported by Ben Jacobs, it’s not thought that the defeats to Borussia Dortmund and Southampton will change Chelsea’s faith in their head coach.

The ownership are still invested in him long-term despite the poor run of form, it’s reported.

The pressure is increasing on the Englishman and Chelsea’s tasks don’t get any easier. They head across the capital next week for a London derby against Spurs. Defeat there would add to the toxicity brewing at Stamford Bridge.