Football: Potter says World Cup 'reset' could help stuttering Chelsea
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Chelsea are eighth in the standings ahead Bournemouth's visit to Stamford Bridge.
PHOTO: AFP
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LONDON - Chelsea manager Graham Potter said his side were “suffering” before the Premier League paused for the World Cup, but that the break has enabled the players to have the reset they needed.
After making an impressive start to life at Stamford Bridge when he succeeded Thomas Tuchel in September, Potter’s side have lost five of their last six matches in all competitions, including their last three in the league.
Such poor form means the Blues are eighth in the standings ahead of Bournemouth’s visit on Tuesday, eight points behind the top four.
“I think you have to go through moments sometimes – if you are honest we were suffering a little bit before the break in terms of the results weren’t what we wanted, performances weren’t so good either,” Potter said on Friday.
“Sometimes as a team you go through these periods. We went through one there and I could offer lots of explanations as to why but sometimes you have to accept they happen and you have to get through them and a break can help.
“Everyone can come back and reset and all the learning that has happened in that really intense period, you can consolidate and say ‘how do we go forward’ and that’s been really beneficial.”
Potter’s players who did take part in the World Cup have been given an extended break ahead of the Premier League’s return, putting the Chelsea boss in unchartered territory.
“We’ve used the time as best as we can – in the first few days, we had four players to work with so that brings its problems. It would have been ideal if we could play Bournemouth in a five-a-side,” he added.
“It’s not easy to get the balance right (with returning players), we’re all learning because it’s never happened before.
“You have to constantly evaluate and assess the players... because we don’t know the long-term effects of the World Cup.
“But we’re confident we can prepare normally for the games coming up.”
Potter also confirmed that France defender Wesley Fofana has picked up another injury and will be missing for another few weeks, but England full-back Reece James, who missed the World Cup with a knee problem, is back in training.
Bournemouth, 14th in the league, have shown signs of improvement under manager Gary O’Neil. He took over at the end of August on an interim basis and was given the job permanently during the World Cup.
After a 9-0 thrashing at Liverpool on Aug 27, the Cherries have won two and drawn four, and while they also lost four, O’Neil’s side went into the break with a 3-0 win over Everton.
When it was put to him that Chelsea have won three of their last six meetings with Bournemouth, the Englishman said: “I am aware of it. They are expected to win every game they play but we will get the boys well prepared and I expect us to go there and get a positive result.” REUTERS
