Potter hits back at Chelsea fans over whether he is the problem after loud boos amid board backing

Graham Potter insists he isn’t the problem at Chelsea, however accepts the fan’s frustrations after loud boos were heard at Stamford Bridge following their defeat to Southampton.

A James Ward-Prowse free-kick in first half stoppage time was enough for the Saints to claim a shock 1-0 win in the capital, inflicting Chelsea to a second defeat in a row in all competitions.

Potter’s side have now just won two games from 17 and pressure is now increasing on the 47-year-old and the Chelsea squad as their season turns sour.

However, the Chelsea hierarchy are still reportedly backing Potter having given him a five-year contract and splashed in excess of £300 million last month on new signings.

Chelsea were booed off in the capital and supporters have begun starting showing their frustrations in masses.

Potter is at risk of becoming an extremely unpopular figure just six months into his tenure at Chelsea, but he insists he is not the problem.

The 47-year-old does accept the fans’ views following a difficult period, but won’t take all of the blame for the dismal form.

He said: “After a 1-0 defeat at home, any criticism you get is understandable. I think we’ve had a tough period and I think we’ve had lots of challenges in terms of integrating young players into the Premier League. While results don’t go your way it can be tough, that is how it is.

“I’m sure there will be people out there that think I’m the problem, absolutely. I don’t think they’re right but I’m not arrogant enough to say their opinion isn’t worth articulating.

“My job is to help the team, keep working through a team period, we’ve had to make some changes today and the truth is we took a step back in our performance in the first half. The response in the second half was good, but it wasn’t good enough.”