Graham Potter delivers ‘exciting’ Chelsea verdict on Aston Villa & Unai Emery

Chelsea head coach Graham Potter has delivered his verdict on Aston Villa and Unai Emery ahead of the Blues’ season run-in.

Potter has spoken of an ‘exciting month’ which lies ahead for his side in April, as the conclusion of the 2022/23 campaign draws closer.

Speaking to the press on Friday, the head coach displayed his anticipation at Chelsea’s upcoming fixtures but warned that the club must proceed with caution.

“Exciting month, but the focus for us is to stay present and think about the game,” said Potter pre-match.

“It’s a very tough game against Aston Villa. We’re at home, we want to respond to the disappointment we had against Everton in terms of dropping points so we’re looking forward to that.”

The 47-year-old has endured a difficult start to life at Stamford Bridge, but a four match unbeaten run, as well as advancement into the Champions League quarter-final, before the international break may be the start of a turning point for the former Brighton head coach.

Potter also spoke about Chelsea’s upcoming opposition in Aston Villa, and alluded to his admiration for Unai Emery.

“He’s done a fantastic job (at Aston Villa). He’s had a fantastic career, someone I’ve always looked up to. Looking forward to seeing him.”

Emery, who took over from Steven Gerrard in October, has done a fine job at Villa Park, taking them to within just four points of the European spots.

A win at Stamford Bridge on Saturday for the former Arsenal manager’s side will see them leapfrog their hosts in the table who currently reside above them on goal difference.

Chelsea sit in 10th in the Premier League and will be hoping to close an 11 point gap which separates them and the top four before the season is over.

As well as this, after a brilliant second leg turnaround in the last-16 against Borussia Dortmund, the west London side face the prospect of Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals.

And with this weekend’s match-up the start of an arduous run of fixtures for the Blues, with league games against Liverpool, Wolves, Brighton, Brentford and Arsenal, as well as two legs of Champions League football against Real Madrid sandwiched in between to come, Potter will be hoping to navigate his team through them successfully, in what could be a defining month in his managerial career.