‘The players can do better’ Potter’s honest message to Chelsea after Borussia Dortmund defeat in Champions League

Graham Potter has delivered an honest message to his Chelsea players after their 1-0 defeat to Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League.

The Blues put up a dominant display but were unable to fight the opener as Gregor Kobel made seven saves, including four from shots within his own box.

Joao Felix hit the bar in the second half as Chelsea saw a flurry of chances go amiss.

Karim Adeyemi netted the only goal of the game just moments after Reece James saw a chance denied by the goalkeeper.

READ MORE: Jude Bellingham ‘surprised’ at Chelsea defending for Borussia Dortmund goal

Dortmund broke away with Adeyemi finding himself one-one-one against Enzo Fernandez before rounding Kepa Arrizabalaga to net the vital goal.

Chelsea are still in with a chance and know that anything other than victory at Stamford Bridge in the second leg will see them out of the Champions League.

Speaking after the match, head coach Potter sent an honest message to his side after conceding a sloppy goal in Germany.

As quoted by Adam Newson, he said: “It’s a poor goal and we have to do better. We were pushing at the time and were the better team. So to concede in that manner is what we’re disappointed with.

READ MORE: Graham Potter delivers verdict on Chelsea’s Champions League defeat

“The players are honest and they know they can do better with that. We have to help them, of course, but we will focus on the positives.”

Potter continued to highlight the performances of returning players, before stating that his side will recover in the second leg.

“The performance was another step forward for us and before the game, you’re looking at Reece (James), Ben (Chilwell), Ruben (Loftus-Cheek) and Kalidou (Koulibaly), that was either their first or second game for quite some time,” he continued.

“It isn’t easy to pick up the speed of the Champions League but I thought they did it well. We had three new players coming in and playing against a team in a good moment.

“We will improve and in three weeks’ time we can take the game at Stamford Bridge.”

But first, Chelsea face Southampton in Premier League action this weekend, with both sides out of form.

Ruben Selles is set to take charge of the match for the Saints following the dismissal of Nathan Jones as head coach.