In The Mixer: Will Graham Potter be a success at Chelsea?

Rob Eddy

Sports journalist at ICS

I would like to think so as he seems eminently likeable and understated while he has been building his career playing an attractive brand of football.

Yes, Chelsea have had a history of reacting swiftly to poor results but there is no guarantee that – despite Tuchels’s dismissal – will continue under the new ownership, who may have had Potter ear-marked early on.

Time afforded depends on results though and an early test against Liverpool, with a double header soon to follow against AC Milan which could ultimately determine Champions League progression is hardly ideal but it could also be the making of him at Stamford Bridge.

It will be interesting to see how Potter is able to cope with any disharmony, against him or among the players, in a dressing room full of egos but there is certainly enough talent in the squad for him to be successful and I fancy he can unlock the best out of the Blues and rubber-stamp his growing reputation.

Gareth Freeman

Sports journalist at Free Super Tips

I don’t think there are any serious questions over Graham Potter’s ability as a coach as he’s impressed in every job he’s had so far. If given time at Stamford Bridge, I see no reason why he won’t be a success but the big question is – will he be afforded that time?

Chelsea’s new owners were pretty ruthless when axing Thomas Tuchel, a manager who guided the club to Champions League success in 2021, but you would expect them to show a bit more patience with Potter. The former Ostersund, Swansea and Brighton boss is their choice, whereas Tuchel was a coach they inherited, so hopefully they give him some leeway if results and performances don’t immediately improve.

I am quietly confident he will be a success at Chelsea but that all depends on whether he is given the time to bring in his own players and implement his own ideas.

Time may not be on Potter’s side at Chelsea

Mark Langdon

Head of sports content at Spotlight Sports Group

I have my doubts, not because he is a bad choice on paper to replace Thomas Tuchel, but more that he could easily be sacked before being able to mould the team into his image.

Potter looked ready to take on a big-six role and he has a lot of the stylistic attributes needed for a top job. He is tactically flexible and with a clear gameplan but of all the elite Premier League jobs this is the one he seems least well matched too.

I don’t see him being given time like Mikel Arteta for instance and there is also a question mark as to whether Potter’s magic will quickly work in a more difficult dressing-room full of overblown egos.

Chris Rivers

Sports journalist at Racing Post

It would be a nice story if Graham Potter did succeed at Chelsea given how he’s worked his way up the coaching ladder but the reality is he faces an uphill struggle.

It took Potter quite a while to get Brighton playing how he wanted and they went through some lean periods during his reign where Seagulls supporters openly questioned if he was the right man to be in charge.

Potter was given plenty of support by Brighton but life at Chelsea will be very different with the new Blues ownership proving to be just as ruthless as the last regime when axing Thomas Tuchel.

Potter needed time and patience to make Brighton an effective unit but will find both those key ingredients in short supply at Stamford Bridge.

Joe Champion

Sports journalist at Racing Post

If he starts well, then I expect he will be a success, but that’s easier said than done and time appears to still be a valuable commodity at Stamford Bridge.

Roman Abramovich was quick to make managerial changes and the evidence suggests that Todd Boehly is cut from the same cloth as far as patience is concerned.

The Blues were busy in the transfer market and the raw materials look to be there for Potter to make a go of it. But given his lack of top-level experience, a slow start could soon see the pressure begin to mount.
However, he’s clearly a tactically astute coach who did excellent work at Brighton, and a new-look squad should be eager to buy into his methods.

Aaron Ashley

Sports journalist at Racing Post

I have little doubt Graham Potter is a top-class technician but history suggests he may have to hit the ground running and I’m not sure he will be able to implement his slick style in quick time.

During Potter’s tenure at Brighton they had an identity and attacked the transfer window with clear strategy, unearthing hidden gems for a low cost before moving them on for the big bucks.

At Chelsea, however, money’s no object and he’s dealing with big egos that have worked under some of the most successful managers in world football.

Patience will be required and I hope he’s given the respect he deserves, but Chelsea demand immediate improvement and he’s expected to transform a squad that he’s had no input with.

Tom Hill

Sports journalist at ICS

If Chelsea suddenly change their managerial approach, then Graham Potter has proven that he can excel at the highest level. His meteoric climb through the coaching ranks is remarkable, but he has just joined a club that takes no prisoners regarding its managerial decisions.

While it would be great to see an English coach given time at one of the top-six clubs, he may struggle to handle the numerous egos within the dressing room. Potter is now in uncharted waters, and Brighton’s best spell under his stewardship came in the last few weeks.

Getting to that level has taken numerous mediocre seasons, and some long runs without success; any repeat of that and he will be the latest manager to be dumped on the scrap heap by the Chelsea board.