Graham Potter’s first press appearance since the winter transfer market closed. since the box Bluetransfer of Enzo Fernández apart, invested more than 300 million euros during the month of January. Hence, there were many issues that the English coach had to deal with in the run-up to the next league match against Fulham. After these days of “rest”, due to two cup eliminations that have kept the London team away from the competition for a while, Graham Potter has taken the opportunity to “train and work with the team how we want to play”. Although the Chelsea manager didn’t hear about the Argentine midfielder’s operation until he was closed, he stated that he “is a fantastic player.” He also spoke about the return of Hakim Ziyech to London and the departure of Jorginho to Arsenal.
Last market day: “I’m the coach, so I don’t get too involved in the details. I’ve been involved too long to know that there are things you can’t control and there was nothing I could do at the time to change things. I found out when it was done and I’m very happy, because (Enzo Fernández) is a fantastic player”.
Enzo Fernandez: “We have to go through the paperwork and get clearance and all that. My Spanish isn’t very good and neither is your English, but we’ll make it. He is an impressive young man and we are looking forward to working with him.”
Ziyech Ziyech: “He’s back. She has trained this morning. This story will not be the first or the last. He is a professional. He gets it. He is committed to us and is available. He will be an important player for the rest of the season.”
Squad with many players: “I dont complain. It’s exciting, but a test for me and the staff. We have a lot of good players and we have to create an environment where there is healthy competition. They can only play eleven, that’s the way things are, but it’s about being prepared and supporting the team. Training is a process, time helps it, but I’m not going to sit here and say that we need it. It helps, but you guys will talk about time and pressure as you go.”
Match against Fulham: “They have had a fantastic season. Merit to the staff, Marco Silva and the players. They are there by merit, not luck. We are looking forward to the game, the memory of the defeat (at Craven Cottage) is still there. Sorry, that was a low point for us.”
List of players for the Champions League: “We have a little time to make the decision, but we know who we have to talk to. There will be some awkward conversations because only eleven can play. You have to be as honest as possible and respect the fact that the players want to play and compete, but they have to be patient and help the team.”
Pressure?: “If you spend money, external noise increases. Resources are one thing, but you have to align them, make the right decisions, and create an environment. We have had an unprecedented injury problem. We hope we have learned a lot and have strengthened ourselves from it. Now we can face the second half of the season with enthusiasm”.
Jorginho: “First of all, during the four months that I have worked with him he has been fantastic. A great person. His service and what he has achieved with this club is brilliant, but sometimes you have to make a decision. It was something that could ensure more stability for his family and it was a victory for everyone, a win-win-win. I wish him well. He is a great professional, a great person”.
Part of injured: “Ben Chilwell, Reece James, Raheem Sterling and Ruben Loftus-Cheek are on the roster, but not for 90 minutes. Wesley (Fofana) is partly with the team, taking a step forward for next week.
Restructuring in sports management
After spending more than 600 million euros in just two transfer windows, Chelsea has decided to organize the sports organization chart. After the adventures of Todd Boehly as sports director, the owner of the London team will go into the background. “Chelsea have confirmed their sporting department with the addition of Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley as co-sporting directors. They oversee the entire sports team, including talent, scouting, recruiting and data.”reported the Blues through a statement.
Likewise, both Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart, in the case of the latter, will arrive next week from AS Monaco, “they will work closely with Graham Potter and his technical team to support the men’s first team”. The rest of the department is made up of: Christopher Vivell (technical director, focused on soccer worldwide); Joe Shields, Kyle Macaulay and Jim Fraser (talent management and recruiting); and Matthew Hallam (Head of Data and Analysis).
