News
Graham Potter issues 18-word apology to Chelsea fans after ‘sacked in the morning’ chants
Graham Potter has addressed the Chelsea faithful following a dismal defeat to Aston Villa in the Premier League.
Potter’s side were met by audible jeers at the final whistle after their 2-0 home defeat to Aston Villa in Saturday’s late kick-off at Stamford Bridge.
Goals from an in-form Ollie Watkins and John McGinn meant Chelsea endured a miserable return from the international break.
The Blues dominated the game statistically, registering 27 shots on goal, compared to Villa’s five. But efficiency in front of goal, not for the first time this season, was Chelsea‘s downfall.
The loss saw the away side jump above their hosts in the league standings, leaving the Blues sitting in 11th place and in the bottom half of the table.
After a four match unbeaten run in March in all competitions, a deflating to start to April has left Potter’s position under fire once again, with the Englishman on the receiving end of ‘you’re getting sacked in the morning’ chants from both sets of supporters in the capital.
Talking to Chelsea’s in-house media post-match, Potter addressed the fans in apologetic fashion.
He said: “My apologies to the supporters. I know you want us to win and do better than we are.”
The 47-year-old then swiftly turned attentions to the west London side’s upcoming fixtures, imploring supporters to get behind him and his team.
Chelsea play host to Liverpool in their next Premier League game on Tuesday, again at Stamford Bridge, with Potter’s future under more scrutiny from supporters.
“We need your support on Tuesday night and we will give it everything.”
Potter retains the support from the Chelsea hierarchy for now, but the negativity and pessimism over his future at the club is growing.
When asked whether or not the mood from supporters was transmitting to the players, Potter replied: “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.”