Potter not listening to ´noise´ over his Chelsea future ahead of Leeds clash

Graham Potter will not hide behind the support he has been given by Chelsea’s owners and is not listening to the noise over his future ahead of a clash with Leeds United.

Blues head coach Potter was only appointed last September, but is under huge pressure following a run of just one win in 11 games.

A 2-0 London derby defeat at Tottenham last Sunday was Chelsea’s third loss in a row without scoring a goal and they sit down in 10th spot in the Premier League.

Potter has been backed by the Blues hierarchy, but knows his side must stop the rot when relegation-threatened Leeds come to Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

Asked if he still has support from the owners, Potter said: “There is support and I’ve spoken to them. But I’m not going to hide behind that. The results haven’t been good enough.”

He added: “My position is that I need to focus on the next game. Whatever the discussions are, that’s not for me.”

The former Brighton and Hove Albion boss is not paying much attention to speculation over his job during such a challenging period.

Asked how he copes with the noise, he replied: “By not listening too much to it is the honest answer. I take it step by step, focus on the next thing. You get through the days and the week.

“We’re fighting for improvement. Talking is one thing, we have to do it on the pitch.”

Focus: #CheLee. pic.twitter.com/gGO0j5PrWf

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) March 2, 2023

Potter has no issue with fans voicing their disapproval, as they did following a 1-0 home defeat to Southampton last month.

He said: “Supporters care and how that comes out is understandable. They’re hurting and we are too. We thank them for their support – and when you lose to the team that are bottom you expect a negative response.

“We’ve not given them enough to give them a reason to be excited about the team.”

Potter revealed Thiago Silva is expected to be out for around six weeks after suffering a knee injury, while Mason Mount will miss the game against Leeds due to an abdominal issue and Reece James is a doubt because of a tight hamstring.

N’Golo Kante (hamstring) came through a first full training session on Friday but needs time to step up his fitness, while Edouard Mendy (finger) is making progress.