Chelsea: Potter blames poor pre-season for Blues' struggles

The English manager has come under pressure for his side’s recent run of form.

Graham Potter has suggested Chelsea’s pre-season campaign could have contributed to their recent performances.

The Blues spent the pre-season in the Unites States under Thomas Tuchel back in July. Around two months later, the club decided to sack the German manager, replacing him with Potter.

After a strong start under the former Brighton boss, Chelsea have struggled to find their rhythm in the Premier League. The Blues have slipped to the tenth spot on the league table despite massive spending in the last two transfer windows.

Speaking ahead of Chelsea’s upcoming derby against Tottenham, Potter said: “It is really tough. A few weeks ago, [I said] it is the toughest job of football, and there are reasons for that.

“Speaking to a few of the experienced guys, they said it was the worst pre-season they’ve had. Organisationally, the tour didn’t work as well as they’d like. I wasn’t there so I can’t say.

“We thought we had made progress, but against Southampton, [it] was below par. The sky can fall. These are inconvenient facts, but that’s the situation.”

Potter admits Chelsea’s recent run of results has even affected his personal life.

“With results as they are, you accept criticism,” the under-fire manager added. “That should come, that is fair. [But] the mood here has always been positive and respectful.

“That is not to say it is easy at all. My family suffers, my mental health suffers. Personally, it is hard. I’ve been under pressure here for four months.”