Graham Potter says he is looking forward to the challenge at Chelsea amid the increasing pressure and expectation at the club.
Chelsea have spent more than £500m since last summer and brought in eight new additions during the January transfer window, including the British transfer record capture of Enzo Fernandez from Benfica.
The club’s investment has increased expectations as Potter looks to address the club’s stuttering season, with Chelsea ninth in the Premier League table
Chelsea travel to face West Ham this weekend and ahead of the clash Potter discussed the dynamic of his relationship with the board as the Blues have invested.
“I think the expectations have always stayed the same, we want to develop a team that ultimately wins. We know there are opportunities to make changes to the team in the windows when they’re open. That hasn’t changed,” he told his pre-match press conference.
“My relationship with them has stayed consistent with them in that there has been regular dialogue and conversation. We understand where we both are in terms of where we see the overall picture, where we see the team. We are working together really well to try to keep improving.”
Potter was questioned on the demands for Chelsea managers to be successful and win trophies and admits he is aware that football at the top level is a results business.
“Of course. I’m not stupid,” he said.
“At the end of the day if results aren’t what this club should get then I understand and if I’m the reason for it, then that’s the job. In the meantime, I will go through the process of working with players, helping them improve, come together.
“It’s a complicated situation at the moment but I’m really excited for it. I have to be honest. I’m really looking forward to it, really looking forward to the challenge that awaits us. But again I don’t worry too much about the absolute timescale of it all.”
The Blues’ boss discussed the adaptation period for the club’s new signings and was asked how much patience he can afford to give the recent recruits.
“How much patience am I able to give them? Well it’s my job,” he said. “When you’re coaching players and human beings there is a process that you go through, you have to work, be patient and understand the context, the situation. There will be lots of talk around pressure and time.
“If I’d had a month of time for every time I’ve been asked that question, I’d be here for about 10 years. It’s just the nature of it. That’s how it is.”
