20 February,2023 09:14 AM IST | London | AFP
Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez wears a dejected look during the defeat to Southampton; (right) Graham Potter. Pics/Getty Images
Graham Potter insisted he is not at fault for Chelsea's woes as the struggling Blues hit a new low in Saturday's 1-0 defeat against Southampton.
Potter's side were beaten by the Premier League's bottom club, who took the points home from Stamford Bridge thanks to a trademark free-kick from James Ward-Prowse late in the first half. Southampton won for just the second time in the league since October, leaving hapless Chelsea's winless run in the league at four matches. Chelsea struggled to create clear chances and were booed off by frustrated fans at the end of an eighth goalless effort in their last 13 games.
With the pressure mounting on Potter, who was only hired to replace the sacked Thomas Tuchel in September, the former Brighton boss launched a stout defence of his credentials. "After a 1-0 defeat at home, any criticism you get is understandable," Potter said.
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"We've had a tough period, we've had lots of challenges, integrating young players into the Premier League. Whilst results don't go your way, it can be tough. I'm sure there will be people out there who will think I'm the problem. I don't think they're right. I'm not arrogant enough to say their opinion isn't worth articulating. My job is to help the team keeping working through a tough period."
Chelsea spent more than £300 million (R3,000 crore approx) on new signings in the January transfer window, but Potter is yet to turn that huge investment into an improvement in results. This loss comes days after 1-0 defeat at Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League last 16 first leg.
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