Graham Potter is the most famous manager in the Premier League right now, and it's all for the wrong reasons. When you've got the most expensive squad in football only to lose at home to bottom club Southampton, the vultures will start circling.
Undoubtedly, Potter's time at Chelsea has been nothing short of eventful. He came in heralded as the next big thing in English football management. Articles flooded the media space about his tactical acumen and how his journey across the world to the depth of the Swedish league has prepared him for the big stage.
As expected, with Potter Chelsea rebounded to go nine games unbeaten. That reminds me of how Manchester United suddenly started winning games when Solksjær replaced Mourinho. Of course, we know how Solksjær's story ended so elaborating on that right here is as good as pointless.
Just like back in September 2022 when the internet space was filled with articles analysing Potter's readiness for Chelsea's job, right now every decent football website out there is discussing the unbelievable statistics Potter has accumulated since. Unsurprisingly, those numbers are not looking good and Potter's chances of staying at Chelsea beyond this season looks grim. As a matter of fact, Potter would've pulled a miracle if he is still at Chelsea by May if the team continues underperforming this badly.
When Tuchel was sacked Chelsea was in 6th position, trailing the fourth place on goal difference. With Potter, every decent statistic has worsened. On a 36% win rate, you'd have to go far behind to the early days of a certain Glenn Hoddle to find a Chelsea manager rivalling such a poor win rate. Out of both domestic competitions, possibly out of a top four race and with Champions League progression hanging by a thread one would wonder where Potter's salvation is coming from.
Will Chelsea sack him despite his lengthy contract? That won't be a surprise. Manchester United sacked Moyes with over 5 years remaining on his contract. Can Potter still turn this around? Well, I am one of those dudes who believe that an intelligent person cannot go brainless overnight. So I won't be throwing Potter under the bus, writing him off or lumping all the blames for Chelsea's disastrous season on him. Though he's looked out of his depth in recent weeks, his exploits at Brighton should give him a benefit of the doubt.
As far as I'm concerned, Chelsea's game against Dortmund is Graham Potter's lifeline. If he wins that and progresses in the Champions League, Mr. Boehly may yet persist with him. If Chelsea gets knocked out by Dortmund and is still struggling domestically, then there is no excuse to keep Potter around. He'll probably get replaced by an experienced, top class manager who will spend the latter part of the season to finetune the squad in preparation for next season.
Considering how Boehly swiftly replaced Tuchel with Potter, I want to assume the American businessman is already sounding out potential candidates for Potter's job. In the end, everyone cannot move from the middle class to the top class and thrive. That's why the experienced, top rated managers keep getting recycled. As for Potter, I hope he gets Chelsea back on track. A competing Chelsea is what the Premier League needs, not one in comatose.
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