19 February 2023 , 11:53
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Todd Boehly has no intention of sacking Graham Potter despite Chelsea's humiliating 1-0 defeat to Southampton on Saturday afternoon.
The Blues were humbled by the Saints at Stamford Bridge thanks to James Ward-Prowse's stunning free kick. The result leaves Potter's side 10th in the Premier League - 10 points behind Newcastle in fourth - while Southampton remain at the foot of the table.
Chelsea fans made their feelings known about Potter's tenure by booing after their latest defeat. The Blues boss, who was appointed just five months ago, understands why the supporters are unhappy and has pledged to work hard to put things right.
Chelsea lost to Southampton on Saturday afternoon (GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)Chelsea chair Boehly and the rest of the board have not changed their mind on Potter in the wake of the Southampton loss. They will support the Englishman, who has four-and-a-half years left on his contract, through this tricky time.
Boehly's consortium completed a takeover of Chelsea last summer and sacked successful manager Thomas Tuchel in September. The German won three trophies during his 20 months in charge - including the Champions League - and reached three other finals.
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Yet that was not enough for Boehly to keep Tuchel in charge. Potter stepped into the hot seat after establishing Brighton in the top 10 of the Premier League and gaining admirers through his work with Swedish side Ostersund and Swansea in the Championship.
Graham Potter will remain as Chelsea manager for the time being (Getty Images)Do you think Chelsea should sack Graham Potter? Let us know in the comments below!
Potter's time at Ostersund was particularly impressive, as he achieved three promotions and won the Swedish Cup. He even led the minnows to a Europa League victory against Arsenal in February 2018, with the Gunners progressing on aggregate.
Potter's spell at Stamford Bridge started well - winning three consecutive Premier League games - but Chelsea's progress was halted by three successive league defeats ahead of the World Cup in Qatar. They've won just two Premier League games since.
Chelsea suffered a 1-0 defeat to Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League last Wednesday night, and Saturday afternoon's loss has cast further doubt over the manager's future. Potter responded to Chelsea's boo boys during a post-match interview.
He said: "After a 1-0 defeat at home, any criticism you get is understandable. We've had a tough period and are integrating young players into the Premier League. When results don't go your way it's tough.
"I'm not arrogant enough to say that their opinion isn't worth articulating. My job is to help the team and work through a team period. The truth is we took as step back with our performance in the first half. Our response in the second half was good, but it wasn't enough."
Chelsea need to start winning sooner rather than later if Potter is to save his job. They face a tough trip to Tottenham in their next Premier League game in seven days' time.