Team news, Felix return, pressure to deliver: What Graham Potter said ahead of Chelsea vs West Ham

Graham Potter addressed the media ahead of Chelsea’s Premier League clash against West Ham on Saturday afternoon at the London Stadium.

Chelsea make the short trip across the capital looking to go four games unbeaten in the league after a win and two draws in their two previous outings.

They are currently in ninth place and hoping to close the gap on the top four in a bid to secure Champions League qualification for next season.

West Ham vs Chelsea: Live stream, TV channel, kick-off time, team news and prediction

Meanwhile, West Ham are just one point above the relegation zone in 16th and defeat against the Blues will mount further pressure on David Moyes as they look to avoid the drop to the Championship.

Chelsea will welcome back Joao Felix to the side after his suspension, handing Potter a boost in attack as they look to resolve their troubles in front of goal.

Here’s what the Chelsea head coach had to say in his pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon.

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Manchester City alleged breaches

“I didn’t really have too many thoughts. I can’t really comment on it, I don’t know anything about it. It’s something they have to deal with.”

Marc Cucurella

“They are human beings and have private lives, Marc isn’t the only one. You understand the supporters, they pay the money. But you have to deal with stuff. He’s fine, he’s going about his work, he knows he’s not in the best moment of form. It’s our job to help and support him, bring him to the place to show his qualities.”

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s loan link to Los Angeles FC

“No, nothing to report (on loan move). He’s been training with us, conducted himself well.”

Team news

“They are all getting closer and closer. Wesley and Denis Zakaria have been training with team. Raheem setback in training, doubtful, kick in training on side of knee. Mateo has trained, but too soon for him.”

Joao Felix’s return and needing to be patient

“It’s great. We all saw his impact before the red card. You can see his quality everyday, a player who can make a difference for us.

“It’s my job, when you coach players, there is a process you go through. You have to be patient, understand the context and situation. There will be lots of talk around pressure and time.”

Pressure to deliver at club like Chelsea

“I’m not stupid. If the results aren’t what this club should get, then I understand, if I’m the reason for it then that’s the job. I go through the process, helping the players improve and come together. It’s a complicated situation at the moment, but really excited, really looking forward to it, the challenge that awaits. I don’t worry too much about the absolute timescale of it all.”

Benoit Badiashile selection ahead of Borussia Dortmund tie due to being ineligible

“The most important thing is to focus on West Ham for any future game. We are happy with Benoit, he is in our thoughts for West Ham. We will think about Wednesday after.”

Poor away form

“It’s not a statistic that we like and something we are trying to address.”

European Super League

“My position hasn’t changed. It’s the Premier League, Champions League, you should get there on sporting merit. That’s my position still.”

London derbies being unpredictable helping Chelsea in current form

“I’m not sure (if it helps Chelsea with current form). Historically, they are always tough games. David Moyes’ side are always organised, they have some really good players and defend well in numbers.

“For us, it’s understanding the environment, London derby, match the intensity, start the game well and try to take three points.”

Expectations at Chelsea changing after January business and relationship with owners

“The expectations have always remained the same, a team that ultimately wins. We know there is opportunities to make changes to the team when the window is open.”

“My relationship has been consistent with (the owners). We understand where we both are, where we see the team. We are working really well to keep improving.”