Graham Potter’s record as Chelsea manager: Out of FA Cup and eight wins from 18 games

Calls for Tuchel return 

Chelsea’s disappointing 4-0 defeat to Manchester City in the FA Cup on Sunday seemed to be the final straw for many of the club’s away support. After a one-sided first half that saw three goals from the home side via Riyad Mahrez, Julián Álvarez and Phil Foden, the Chelsea travelling support made their feelings perfectly known when they began chanting the name of former head coach Thomas Tuchel. The message was clear for all to hear: Graham Potter wasn’t doing a good enough job. 

Indeed, it isn’t hard to sympathise with fans of the Stamford Bridge club this season. Despite spending over €330 million on new signings, new owner Todd Boehly and his appointed new manager Potter have so far failed to live up to the demands of a club that are used to challenging for domestic silverware and the Premier League title. Which is certainly a far cry from where the club is right now. 

Potter’s record as Chelsea manager

Chelsea’s departure from the FA Cup unfortunately coincides with a similar result against Pep Guardiola’s Man City side in the third round of the English League Cup in early November, which now means Potter’s side are out of both domestic Cup tournaments this season. And the club’s current record in the Premier League doesn’t suggest there will be any hope of competing for the league title either. 

Graham Potter currently has the second worst record among Chelsea‘s last 10 managers

Can he turn things around at Stamford Bridge? pic.twitter.com/WaQhKQRVgx

— Transfermarkt.co.uk (@TMuk_news) January 9, 2023

Potter’s side currently languish in tenth place in the English top-flight and have picked up just four points from their last five league games – which is the fourth worst record in the Premier League. Such has been Potter’s misfortune since making the move to London that the English manager has picked up the equivalent of just 28 points from 18 games to date, giving him a points per game average of just 1.56. Not only is that considerably less than Tuchel’s average of 2.07 points per game but it also makes Potter the worst Chelsea manager among the club’s last 10 head coaches. 

Could Chelsea sack Potter this season? 

When asked about the chants from the Chelsea fans on Sunday night, Potter was certainly diplomatic in his answer. “We can’t do anything apart from do our jobs better and work harder,’ said the head coach after the game. “We understand the supporters’ frustration, that is understandable and we’ll respect that. Our job is to do our jobs, to keep working, see the situation for what it is, and of course there are always other opinions, negativity and criticism because the results haven’t been positive. That’s part of the job and the challenge.”

But will Potter be given the opportunity to turn things around at Chelsea? The average managerial spell at the club currently stands at 75.8 games, based on Potter’s five previous predecessors. Which would mean the English coach should get until the end of the season to prove that he can get Chelsea back competing for titles.

“I don’t think I’d have left my previous job if I didn’t think there was a chance that the owners would give their support,” added Potter after Sunday’s defeat. “I think they’re absolutely in line with where we’re at, in line with what we want to do. I’m more confident now that we can achieve things than I was when I started the job because I understand the club, the players and understand what’s needed. But, obviously, with the past of Chelsea, with the changes in management, you can see why questions are asked.” 

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