Chelsea manager Graham Potter has described managing the team as “probably the hardest job in football”.
Potter, however, said he was not looking for sympathy as he tries to salvage the English soccer club’s season amid an injury crisis and after a summer of sweeping changes in all areas of the club.
He said expectations have remained high at Stamford Bridge despite a change of ownership in May.
That’s when a consortium headed by Todd Boehly completed a £4.25bn ($5.17bn) takeover and restructured the club.
Chelsea have slipped to 10th place in the English Premier League (EPL) after winning just one of their last eight games.
They have also been knocked out of both the FA Cup and the League Cup, with last year’s costly transfer admission largely struggling to make an impact.
“It’s challenging, exhilarating and ridiculously hard. I think it’s probably the toughest job in football because of that change in leadership and the expectations because people rightly see Chelsea,” Potter said ahead of Chelsea’s trip to Fulham on Thursday.
“The reality of where the club is in terms of establishing itself as a well-run football club that works well in a really competitive environment, we may not be there yet.
“Obviously I didn’t think we’d lose 10 first-team players (to injury)… I also recognize that I’m the head coach and when we lose, it’s my fault.”
Chelsea supporters chanted the name of former owner Roman Abramovich, who oversaw unprecedented success during nearly two decades at the helm, during Sunday’s 4-0 loss to Manchester City.
They also sang that of Potter’s predecessor, Thomas Tuchel, during the same game.
“I’m not looking for pity, I’m really grateful and privileged to be here,” Potter said.
“This club worked in a certain way for 20 years and it worked very well. I have a lot of respect for the previous owner and what they accomplished.
“We have to rebuild things again… This is a new era, a new chapter. We’re going through a bit of pain, it’s hard right now. I understand the frustration and appreciate the support.”
