Erik ten Hag says he is ‘looking forward’ to facing Graham Potter again as Manchester United travel to face Chelsea this weekend.
Ten Hag endured a shaky start to his tenure after a home defeat to Potter’s former side Brighton on the opening weekend, with the Seagulls impressive to earn a 2-1 win at Old Trafford.
Potter’s performances on the South Coast saw Chelsea make an approach for 47-year-old, who has had a strong start in west London and is unbeaten in seven fixtures across all competitions.
“I know more about him after our first game, but he also knows more now about me,” Ten Hag said of Potter at his pre-match press conference. “I am looking forward to the fight, but it is not a fight between managers, it is a fight between the teams.”
Ten Hag’s team will arrive at Chelsea in confident mood after beating Spurs in midweek and the Dutchman is hopeful his side can maintain momentum away from home.
“For me it is never an issue of away or home. The pitch is the same, it is 11 v 11 and there is a ref, it is the same,” Ten Hag said.
“We also always have a lot of support from our fans, which I thank them for. We feel strong and are looking forward to that game tomorrow.”
United have secured impressive home wins over Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham this season and Ten Hag admits the club’s support has helped his side this season. However, he insists he is relishing the challenge of earning a result away from home comforts at Stamford Bridge this weekend.
“It’s fabulous to play at Old Trafford and to have the fans on our side. It’s really a great experience and opponents don’t like coming here.
“But I also like away games because all the Premier League stadiums are fantastic.
“I’m always excited to play at Stamford Bridge. I know the atmosphere so it’s fantastic.”
