Reece James delivers verdict over Graham Potter’s future amid calls for Chelsea sacking

Reece James has defended Chelsea head coach Graham Potter who is under increasing pressure after the Blues suffered another defeat.

A 2-0 loss away to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday afternoon inflicted Chelsea to their third straight defeat in all competitions, extending their winless run on the road in the Premier League to over four months – their last win came on October 16 against Aston Villa.

Oliver Skipp’s goal inside the first 25 seconds of the second half from distance put the hosts ahead, before Harry Kane finished the London derby off in the 82nd minute to seal the three points for Spurs.

Chelsea have now won just two of their last 16 matches in all competitions, not winning any of their previous six, which has seen the pressure continuing to pile on the 47-year-old who is really under pressure from supporters.

The Chelsea owners have been very supportive of Potter since he was appointed last September, even more so in recent weeks backing him despite the dismal form.

With every dropped point or defeat, pressure and noise will continue to rise around Potter. He accepts it’s part of the job at a big club when you aren’t winning.

Post-Spurs, he admitted: “My job isn’t to worry about that too much. I understand the question and where it comes from, but I have to try to focus on keeping on helping the team and supporting the players.

“I really like these players, they’re good lads. They want to do better and want to win. But at the moment we’re suffering and that is my responsibility.”

Defender Reece James has come to the defence of the Chelsea head coach, insisting his quality isn’t questionable after coming from Brighton & Hove Albion.

“Everyone has seen how good of a manager he is,” James told beINSports. “That showed at Brighton when he was in and around the top four. His ability isn’t questionable.”

James has called for Chelsea to stick together, with both the players and manager, as they eye to get back to winning ways, as well as scoring a goal, in the coming games with clashes against Leeds United and Borussia Dortmund awaiting them.

He added: “He’s in a similar position to us players. As much stick he gets, we’re the ones playing. We’re in it together.”

The Chelsea squad all appear to still be behind Potter but should more defeats follow in the coming weeks, it remains unclear how quickly the mood could change – if it does – inside the dressing room.