Graham Potter has called on Chelsea to ‘finish the job’ and secure Champions League progress as the club prepare to take on Red Bull Salzburg.
Chelsea travel to face the Austrian champions on Tuesday evening with the west Londoners looking for a positive result in a tight Group B. Potter’s side have moved top of the group after back-to-back wins over AC Milan, one point ahead of Salzburg ahead of this week’s clash.
Salzburg are unbeaten in four European games so far this season and held Chelsea to a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge during Potter’s first game as manager. The Blues’ boss has opened up on the challenge he expects this week as Chelsea look to move a step closer to the last 16.
“The group looks a little bit different because of the results we’ve had,” Potter told the club’s official website.
“We had a really tough game against them at Stamford Bridge in the first game that I had, so I’ll always remember that experience.
“We’ve put ourselves in a better position because of the results against Milan, but at the same time we know we have to finish the job and get more points. We face a tough opponent, but we’re going to go there motivated and give our best.”
Potter said that he expects a tough challenge against a Salzburg side who have made an impression in the Champions League across the past two seasons. The Austrians are unbeaten in their last 16 matches in all competitions, following a goalless draw with Sturm Graz at the weekend.
Salzburg have also not lost on home soil in the Champions League since December 2020, with Bayern Munich and Milan among the teams who have failed to win at the Red Bull Arena.
“Expectations for the game are another tough match. They have a clear idea of how they want to play, a clear idea in terms of attacking and defending, very intense. They’re very direct, incredibly well organised, good players. It’s a top team. We need to be good and we need to be brave.”
