Real Madrid tie, Kante boost, Sterling & Mount blow: What Graham Potter said ahead of Chelsea vs Everton

Graham Potter addressed the media ahead of Chelsea’s Premier League clash against Everton on Saturday evening at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea are hoping to make it four wins in a row in all competitions this weekend after victories over Leeds United, Borussia Dortmund and Leicester City lifted the mood inside the Blues’ camp.

It’s been a difficult couple of months for Potter and Co, who have faced mounting and constant pressure, but the team have stuck together and they have started to come out the other side with hope and positivity.

Chelsea vs Everton: Live stream, TV channel, kick-off time, team news and prediction

They head back to west London to close out the month and are bidding to complete the perfect month, sealing four wins from four, should they see off Everton on Saturday.

Potter and Chelsea are in confident mood but they do expect a tough challenge from Sean Dyche’s relegation-threatened Toffees in the capital.

Here’s what the Chelsea head coach had to say in his pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon.

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Champions League draw

“I said we would try to win the Champions League! That’s the same for the other seven clubs. We’ll focus on Real Madrid when we get there.

“The feeling is excited, but I’d rather speak about Everton as that’s the game tomorrow.”

On Carlo Ancelotti, he added: “He’s a gentleman. What he’s achieved in his career is amazing.”

Team news

“Raheem has a problem with his hamstring. It’s not too serious but he’ll miss the game at the weekend and the international trip.

“Mason has been struggling with his pubic bone, he wasn’t 100 percent last game. He will miss the England camp as well. Thiago and Azpi (are out) as well.”

N’Golo Kante’s return vs Everton

“He has a chance of being in the squad.

“Managers before me have spoken very highly of N’Golo because he’s a top, top player. He’s been a huge miss for us. Great for us for him to be back. We have to be mindful. We have to take the steps to get him back up to speed.”

Facing Everton

“We’ve got a tough game against Everton. Sean Dyche has done a good job.

“Wherever they are, it’s always difficult. He’s a fantastic coach, his record is impressive to do what he did with Burnley. You can see the effect he’s had on Everton. We have to play well.”

Flying to less games to help the environment

“It’s something we have to do increasingly better at and do better with. It’s an area we can improve.”

Feeling happier

“After three wins, you have to say that (I’m more happy). It’s nice to win. Results give people belief and happiness. We are here to win.

“Results weren’t what we wanted. I have to take that responsibility. It’s all good managing Chelsea when it’s going well, but it’s dealing with it when it isn’t going well.”

Top four chances

“Where we are now is to focus on Everton, three points up for grabs. Tough team, gone in the right direction with Sean (Dyche). We will focus on tomorrow, not May or June.”

Switching to a back three

“We’ve had a few injuries which could change the dynamic of the side. We looked at the performance of the team… and the back three we felt was the better way to go.”