Chelsea boss Graham Potter calls first half of FA Cup defeat to Man City ‘painful’ as Pep Guardiola urges Blues owner Todd Boehly to give him time | Football News

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Graham Potter defended his senior players but admitted Chelsea were “not in a good moment” after their 4-0 FA Cup defeat at Manchester City. Here’s every word he had to say at the post-match press conference at the Etihad…

What is your assessment of the performance?

“I think we are the second best team rather than a very good team. Obviously, we were not in a good moment and even in the first 20 minutes we could not attack the back line very well, we could not attack. I think Manchester City did a good job of preventing you from doing that. At the same time, we struggled.

“It was a very good first goal on the attack from a free kick, and a strange penalty and you are caught in a position 2-0 and you have to chase the ball against Manchester City. You are caught between. try to do more people and not open.

Riyad Mahrez scored Manchester City's fourth goal from the penalty spot
Picture:
Riyad Mahrez scored Manchester City’s fourth goal from the penalty spot

“So the first half was painful and difficult for all of us. The second half, we had to respond and I think there were some positives in terms of young players. out of the competition. Congratulations to Man City. Of course they should win.”

How much time will it take to complete?

“The result about the Premier League, I think we have lost four games. For Newcastle away, the last game before the World Cup, we had nine players unavailable. We lost 1-0 against Arsenal. We lost on a bad day. We went to Brighton and we lost with Manchester City. This is the team we lost to.

“But we have also been drawn to Manchester United and Brentford so the results in the small time are not positive. I have said before that you can make excuses and look for excuses or you can say it is not good enough. The answer is correct.

“So we have to continue to improve, to remain a football club, because obviously we are suffering as a football club and it is not good. But we are now.”

Chelsea manager Graham Potter on the touchline during the Emirates FA Cup third round match at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester.  Date of drawing: Sunday 8 January 2023.

There were chants for Thomas Tuchel from Chelsea fans. How hard is it to turn it around with the atmosphere around you?

“We can’t do anything but do a better job and work harder. We understand the frustration of the supporters, which is understandable and we respect it. But our job is to do our job. for what. Of course, there are always other opinions and there’s always negativity and criticism because the results haven’t been positive. It’s part of the job, part of the challenge.”

Do you believe the senior players are giving it their all?

“Yes, this opponent is probably the worst opponent you can face when the situation is not good because they can make it look like you are not running, like you are not trying, because the structure of the position is very good, they use it. the width is full of distance, they keep the ball and make it difficult for you to force any.

“I work with the players, I don’t know anyone who has a bad attitude. Everyone wants to try to do better. I think there is support in the dressing room. moments and sometimes when you have this moment you need someone or someone to blame, I understand where the question is coming from. But at the same time, we have to stick together and keep working.”

What is the situation with Christian Pulisic, Raheem Sterling and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang?

“Christian just opened his knee in the game the other day, we are still analyzing it, but it will be a week. hamstring and we are analyzing it and Aubameyang has a tight back and cannot travel.

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Clinton Morrison says there is pressure on Chelsea manager Graham Potter after poor results and because of high expectations at the club.

Do you think you can win back your fans and turn things around?

“You always challenge in the Premier League and you always challenge here. I understand the frustration and I understand when you look at the results and the performance of the team today it is very far from Manchester City. That is clear.

“We have to focus on the next day and the next match. We play on Thursday. This is an important game for us. We have to stay together as a group and support each other. I’m sure we will get the support of the team. The supporters when they see a good performance and good results.”

Pep backs Potter: What he did at Brighton was incredible

Speaking at his own post-match press conference, Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola urged Chelsea owners to show patience as Potter implements the system he wants at Stamford Bridge.

“I would say to Todd Boehly, give him time. I know at big clubs results are important but give him time. The second half is what he is. What he has done at Brighton is incredible. All managers need time.

“In Barcelona, ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ [Lionel] Messi is there. That’s why I don’t need two seasons. One is enough. But everyone needs it.

“To play against City when we are at this level, in the Carabao Cup or here [in the FA Cup] it is not easy. Not just for Chelsea but for any team.

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