1 hour ago, timetowaste said:

I don't even know who I would want to replace Potter if he was to get the boot.

Zidane - It's so weird that he won 3 champions leagues in a row and I'm still not sure if he's an elite manager. I don't know why, maybe because he had Ronaldo scoring 50 goals a season.

Poch - Not sure on him, did awful at PSG but did well as Spurs

Flick - Superb at Bayern but his tenure only lasted a couple of years against much weaker opposition, before that he spent 14 years as an assistant. He also massively flipped with Germany at the World Cup and didn't get out of the group stage.

Luis Enrique - Good style of football but for the most part at Spain he seemed to have that irritating trait of playing well and not scoring enough goals which we've had enough of over the years. His career at Barca I just find it hard to look past that he had a prime Messi carrying the team to trophies.

The return of Mourinho - Obviously a club legend and my favourite manager of all time. I'd be a bit concerned about him managing our young attackers. Plus after the way he got sacked the second time I don't know does it end any differently?

Zidane won 11 trophies in less than 4 seasons:

La Liga x 2
Champions League x 3
UEFA SuperCup x2
FIFA Club World Cup x2
Spanish Super Cup x 2

His top 3 signings were Hazard, Jovic and Militao which in total is less than what Boehly spent for Potter in January after signing Enzo, Mudryk, Badiashile.

5 minutes ago, Gol15 said:

Zidane won 11 trophies in less than 4 seasons:

La Liga x 2
Champions League x 3
UEFA SuperCup x2
FIFA Club World Cup x2
Spanish Super Cup x 2

His top 3 signings were Hazard, Jovic and Militao which in total is less than what Boehly spent for Potter in January after signing Enzo, Mudryk, Badiashile.

Better not let him any where near Transfers then LOL

I have been in the "Let's give Potter time/this is not his squad/no preseason/long injury list etc" team since he's arrived. Lately though, especially after last night's performance it's getting increasingly difficult to defend the man. If you can't perform well, let alone get a result at home against the bottom team in the league, what hope do we have for when we have to face somebody better?

His whole demeanor seems a bit off. I realize he's a reserved soft spoken guy, but recently he seems and sounds like he's in denial. "‘I’m sure there will be people out there that think I’m the problem, absolutely. I don’t think they’re right but I’m not arrogant enough to say their opinion isn’t worth articulating." Well, that's mighty white of you Graham, but what the supporters actually want to hear is that you're angry with that performance/result and that the fans deserve much more and you want to apologise to them on behalf of yourself and the players for that shambolic performance. Because you aren't at Brighton anymore, the expectations are different, you have an array of top talent at your disposal and it's not as if you have just landed in a middle of Cobham but actually had five months to figure things out.

I'm prepared to be patient and suffer when needed but he needs to show improvement, and fast. The signs are not good.

14 hours ago, bisright1 said:

Its all irrelevant. AVB and Scolari had settled incredible squads in a much less competitive league. 

But you could spin it any way you like, there is no variance in failure for me. If you fail you're on the same level. 

AVB didn't settle an incredible squad. We had Torres who was a mitigating disaster at the time and a PR horror to get scoring goals, and Daniel Sturridge who was a young striker playing on the right wing in the "Hulk" position for AVB. The only decent player we signed for AVB was Juan Mata, we chased Modric all summer just to get Raul Meireles. 

We still had the old guard there, but they were all past their primes, we saw the big decline the season before under Carlo, we lacked pace and creativity, that's why the summer after even after winning the CL we had a massive clearout, and signed a sh*tload of attackers including Hazard, Oscar, Moses, Marin, etc. All in the same window. 

I know you're going to say we won the Champions League, but look at how we won it, through pure spirit and let's be honest, a lot of luck. Thanks to Di Matteo giving us the biggest manager bounce ever, as a lot of those senior players wanted to win the CL in their career, it was their final opportunity and boy did they get it done.

Potter currently has much better players than AVB ever did, off the back of winning a CL recently no less one we actually dominated with good players, now he's had a massive overhaul of players close to and over the value of a 100 million, he definitely has it much easier than AVB. The likes of Drogba and Lampard didn't take to AVB at all because they didn't respect his inexperience and getting benched. It's a hard dynamic to come in and bench legends at the end of their careers. 

Edited February 19, 20233 yr by Victor90

23 minutes ago, abramovich said:

His whole demeanor seems a bit off. I realize he's a reserved soft spoken guy, but recently he seems and sounds like he's in denial. "‘I’m sure there will be people out there that think I’m the problem, absolutely. I don’t think they’re right but I’m not arrogant enough to say their opinion isn’t worth articulating." Well, that's mighty white of you Graham, but what the supporters actually want to hear is that you're angry with that performance/result and that the fans deserve much more and you want to apologise to them on behalf of yourself and the players for that shambolic performance. Because you aren't at Brighton anymore, the expectations are different, you have an array of top talent at your disposal and it's not as if you have just landed in a middle of Cobham but actually had five months to figure things out.

This isn't new. He's been exactly the same way for his entire time at the club.

Excuses, excuses, excuses. Even yesterday he blamed the loss on Southampton being well prepared and organized. And thats the worst side in the league with no manager.

It's why just about everyone is sick of him already. No accountability and there is even like a smugness to the guy. He knows he's not going to be sacked as long as he pander to the owners so he's perfectly comfortable to spout bullsh*t to the supporters and disrespect us as we aren't the decision makers.

 

I think it's unfair to Judge Potter on results as Graham says it's very hard to win any game in the Premier league as the other team wants to win as well.

the only way to judge a manager fairly is to ask if they're getting the most out of the talent they have avaliable.

So I've decided to make a full comprehensive list of every player that has improved under Potter in his 6 months here.

Here it is.

 

 

A bang average manager. Simple as that. I'd get it If he'd already walked in a toxic atmosphere and can't make things work because of players' egos, a broken leadership, divided fanbase and all sorts of other things. But Chelsea at the moment is, or let me say it better, at the moment Boehly and Eghbali went on their spending spree, the club was every manager's dream - great owners assembling a super squad, top facilities, great future etc. 

What's Potter done is make a mess of this in just under two months. To me it looks he has no clue whatsoever, at least if his subs would work out, but those look clueless, too. Guy was given a Bugatti and would fart inside while on the road and won't crack the window open for a few seconds because there are too many buttons and does not have a clue which one it is.

The fact that Brighton look way better after he left tells me everything I need to know about Potter. Brighton was left w/o their coaching staff, best players and that Italian manager comes in and in such a short time completely turns them into this team that is a joy to watch, whereas Potter needs a couple of seasons before doing what exactly??? Before we manage to score and don't get beaten by Southampton and Fulham? 

This managerial choice was wrong on so many levels, the guy is truly out of his depth and this club needs a top manager with tactical knowledge, a clear style of play and charisma. Best thing to happen is we miss on European places this season, bring a top manager when the season ends, have him for a full pre seaon and challenge for the league title next season while playing once a week. A truly world class manager would work wonders with this club. Just not Potter.

17 hours ago, Scott Harris said:

I wish I could go and watch Chelsea live, our home fans are as sh*t as our performances. What will it take for them to make some noise? I know the performances are bad, but I am jumping off my seat with anger at this sh*t. Back the team or get angry with them, whatever it takes, show some emotion instead of standing or sitting there in silence. I can almost see where @coco was coming from with his comments earlier. It's like our fans don't even care. Where has the noise gone at Stamford Bridge?

There is defo a huge difference between the away support we take on the road, and the deadly quiet stamford bridge brigade. The only stand that sings is the Matthew Harding. And even when other stands are goaded into a song (West stand give us a song etc), they usually fail.

Unfortunately, it really is a case that London attracts tourists who will pay big bucks of 2, 3 or 4 times rrp - and it is those who are killing the atmosphere.

7 hours ago, Lampsy said:

Something is definitely wrong, maybe the players just don't understand him.

I heard that in training, he was having trouble giving instructions to either of the Fofanas. Whenever he tried to get Wesley to sit back or DD to push forward, the wrong Fofana received the message and the two of them just kept running into each other in midfield. It explains the DDF sub at half time.

The same thing probably happens with Mudryk and Madueke, which is why one got taken off for the other today despite paying different positions

You heard that the Fofanas turned into the chuckle brothers? Where did you "hear" this from?

7 minutes ago, petre ispirescu said:

ut those look clueless, too. Guy was given a Bugatti and would fart inside while on the road and won't crack the window open for a few seconds because there are too many buttons and does not have a clue which one it is.

Yes, and in the end he just guesses, activates the handbrake and he crash and burn.

 

If Boehly and the players support Potter I will absolutely support him. I think they do as well.

We have quality players, quality management team, quality staff but we are currently suffering on the pitch. That can turn to better very soon. 

The players currently don't trust themselves as the results are going this way. They just need some positive things happening on the pitch to turn this around. Maybe even some luck. 

I think Potter is drilling first of all 4 at back system to this side. We know how hard it has been to succeed with that system. Especially when your main fullbacks are unavailable all the time. 

We are lacking that main number 9. Aubameyang clearly has done something to have been sidelined. Off pitch attitude or something of the sorts. We can't fix that so we need to make that false 9 thing working. Felix is helping there a lot but we just don't seem to be able to score. 

Our new wingers, Mudryk and Madueke, are both young and new to this league. They will produce at some point I feel but it could take a full season. 

Defence + Kepa is okay. That is the functioning part of our side. We are not conceding goals that much. There is a base to build on.

I am very willing to sacrifice this season as long as we are doing things in the club to support that and in small steps we are progressing. Results are not the only measurement of progress.

Sorry but Potter should have gone already,definitely not give him the rest of the season, to what have us fighting relegation, believe me those who think we are to good to go down might be right,but can be equally wrong.

I still think the nature of the squad (6,382 new signings) warrants Potter getting a preseason.  The early cup exits, while they suck, have been over exaggerated. We drew City in both. Let's be honest, a couple of Grimsby's or the like would have given a chance for the squad to essentially have pressure free type training games. 

 

A full preseason and massive clear out will do Potter and the club a world of good. A core group of 20 or so strong first teamers fighting for 11 places will gel together much better than the mess assembled at the moment. 

Edited February 19, 20233 yr by ross91690

7 hours ago, Lampsy said:

I heard that in training, he was having trouble giving instructions to either of the Fofanas. Whenever he tried to get Wesley to sit back or DD to push forward, the wrong Fofana received the message and the two of them just kept running into each other in midfield. It explains the DDF sub at half time.

You heard ? and you seriously believe that !! they do have christian names you know. In training where it's just the squad on the pitch at Cobham where there's no other noise that he couldn't or wouldn't shout Wesley or David 🤣. What sort of message was it through a third party a text a note or maybe semaphore. ''Ok lads when the flag is on the left side that's you Wesley when it's on the right it's you David is that clear lads good lets go''

.

6 minutes ago, evissy said:

If Boehly and the players support Potter I will absolutely support him. I think they do as well.

We have quality players, quality management team, quality staff but we are currently suffering on the pitch. That can turn to better very soon. 

The players currently don't trust themselves as the results are going this way. They just need some positive things happening on the pitch to turn this around. Maybe even some luck. 

I think Potter is drilling first of all 4 at back system to this side. We know how hard it has been to succeed with that system. Especially when your main fullbacks are unavailable all the time. 

We are lacking that main number 9. Aubameyang clearly has done something to have been sidelined. Off pitch attitude or something of the sorts. We can't fix that so we need to make that false 9 thing working. Felix is helping there a lot but we just don't seem to be able to score. 

Our new wingers, Mudryk and Madueke, are both young and new to this league. They will produce at some point I feel but it could take a full season. 

Defence + Kepa is okay. That is the functioning part of our side. We are not conceding goals that much. There is a base to build on.

I am very willing to sacrifice this season as long as we are doing things in the club to support that and in small steps we are progressing. Results are not the only measurement of progress.

@evissy Wait for the "I can scream louder than you' brigade to come after your reasoned, balanced and rational post. It was nice knowing you dude.

41 minutes ago, Sexyfootball said:

Better not let him any where near Transfers then LOL

That's the point, he signed those players and couldn't count on Eden due to injuries and he never really trusted Jovic it was a signing after Ronaldo left and he needed extra goals but the player never really got a chance there since Benzema raised the stakes, Militao has been solid for them and in any case Zidane after signings those 3 won the league.

I don’t think they will sack him until we are in real danger of relegation we are 10 points from 17 if we fail to win the next 3 PL games we will be in trouble.

The owners will learn an expensive lesson on hiring managers!!

24 minutes ago, nonotnowjim said:

@evissy Wait for the "I can scream louder than you' brigade to come after your reasoned, balanced and rational post. It was nice knowing you dude.

There is nothing to debate when you lot make up alternative realities to defend him.

But if losing Mount this coming summer and every single player getting worse and worse the more Potter gets to work with them is progress in your book then be my guest. Mudryk was on fire before he was coached by our "quality management team", now he's worse than Pulisic. Enzo, Badiashile and Felix are going in the same direction as well. Soon enough we'll have to replace them too if Potter stays on.

Edited February 19, 20233 yr by OriginalS

31 minutes ago, evissy said:

I am very willing to sacrifice this season as long as we are doing things in the club to support that and in small steps we are progressing. Results are not the only measurement of progress.

I think many reasonable fans may agree, to a point, with what you've said in your post, except this last part.

Swallowing your pride and accepting bad results is fine as long as you witness improvement in performances But I'm afraid I'm not seeing what you're seeing.

Edited February 19, 20233 yr by abramovich

It’s the bit where he blamed being forced to make changes because of playing Champions League midweek that does my head in. We are playing the worse team in the league without a manager that just lost to a 10 man Wolves team. Our f**king C team should be beating these lot and here he goes complaining because the 2-3 players he so heavily relies on are unavailable.
 

 It’s evident he is going the route of players improving the manager instead of manager improving the players. 
 

1 hour ago, Gol15 said:

Zidane won 11 trophies in less than 4 seasons:

La Liga x 2
Champions League x 3
UEFA SuperCup x2
FIFA Club World Cup x2
Spanish Super Cup x 2

His top 3 signings were Hazard, Jovic and Militao which in total is less than what Boehly spent for Potter in January after signing Enzo, Mudryk, Badiashile.

I do feel like Ronaldo carried Real to most of that success, after he left they weren't anywhere near that good. That's why I have doubts as to whether Zidane is actually an elite manager tactically.

Like I said he’s weak flaccid doesn’t seem to command respect and the players who have worked with the very best will pick up on this instantly and not take him seriously.

16 minutes ago, Drogba1 said:

I do feel like Ronaldo carried Real to most of that success, after he left they weren't anywhere near that good. That's why I have doubts as to whether Zidane is actually an elite manager tactically.

Benitez had Ronaldo too, just saying.

It was Zidane that brought back Casemiro to the starting lineup for his tactic and 4-3-3 formation, he also managed to rotate his squad really well both for winning La Liga and the CL which is a clear sign of a great tactician and not just politician that made that squad happy.

In his last season he finished 2nd in La Liga and lost to us in the CL semi-finals, for once he didn't manage to win but that doesn't mean that he's not an elite manager.

1 minute ago, Gol15 said:

Benitez had Ronaldo too, just saying.

It was Zidane that brought back Casemiro to the starting lineup for his tactic and 4-3-3 formation, he also managed to rotate his squad really well both for winning La Liga and the CL which is a clear sign of a great tactician and not just politician that made that squad happy.

In his last season he finished 2nd in La Liga and lost to us in the CL semi-finals, for once he didn't manage to win but that doesn't mean that he's not an elite manager.

Zidane is a tricky one, I can see both arguments. But you don't win trophies like that being clueless, there's definitely a good coach in him. 

I would love to give him a chance right now, similar to the contract we gave Tuchel two seasons ago after we sacked Lampard. And if it doesn't work then by all means on your way.

It's the giving bang-average managers who've won f**k all 8-year contracts that is the problem. We've had world-class managers at this club who've never had anywhere close to that form of job security, I don't even know what the board was thinking. That somehow in year's time Potter will be that good they don't want him to get poached off anyone else??? Bizarre.

 

 

Apparently training has been cancelled today. Some rumours that Potter has gone and the announcement will be tomorrow. Could be rubbish of course. Bound to be a fair amount of speculation out there.

Edited February 19, 20233 yr by forbzy