Potter looks to Guardiola and Arteta for inspiration in face of Chelsea criticism

Graham Potter accepts he has not been “absolutely perfect” at Chelsea but is confident he can win his critics around – just like Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta before him.

The Chelsea coach is under increased scrutiny as the Blues have won only one of their past seven matches in all competitions and one of their last eight in the Premier League.

Back-to-back defeats to Manchester City had Chelsea fans chanting for Potter’s predecessor Thomas Tuchel.

But he only had to look as far as the opposition dugout for a source of inspiration, with Guardiola’s approach not universally popular at the start of his City tenure.

Guardiola has urged for Potter to be given time – the Blues coach says the owners have been “nothing but supportive” – while Arsenal manager Arteta and Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp are other examples for him to follow.

“You have to understand [the criticism] is part of the job,” Potter said ahead of Thursday’s game against Fulham.

“You only have to look at some of my colleagues in a similar position.

“Pep, for example, in his first season, was being criticised quite heavily. I think Mikel Arteta has had a period of criticism. Klopp, in the first few years, would have had criticism as well. These guys are fantastic.

1 – Chelsea have won just one of their last eight Premier League matches (D3 L4) – since the first game in this run on October 19th, no side has won fewer games in the competition. Sticky. pic.twitter.com/OI6l9KOpdR

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) January 5, 2023

“You understand football is emotional. When you lose, you feel it; you feel the pain; you feel the suffering; you feel the discomfort.

“Sometimes it’s hard to understand the ‘why’, and it’s easier just to blame somebody. I’m sitting here saying it’s not like I’ve been absolutely perfect, so they’re not completely wrong, but I think it’s always very complex.

“You just try to put it into perspective. You try to remember you’re capable; you try to remember how you got here.

“Two months ago, I was considered to be a top coach. If you consider the people I’ve played against and played with, they’d probably say the same.

“But at the same time, I acknowledge the results we’ve had haven’t been good enough for us. You have to accept and deal with it as best you can. Try to put it in perspective and keep moving forward.”