“A concern when you play them” – Pep Guardiola’s reveals fears on new Chelsea manager Graham Potter tactical style
Pep Guardiola, the manager of Manchester City, has previously praised Graham Potter, the new head coach of Chelsea, claiming to be a huge fan of the technique used by the former Brighton & Hove Albion manager.
After 20 months in command, the Blues fired Thomas Tuchel and replaced him with Potter earlier this month.
After signing a five-year contract, Potter led the west London team to a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge on September 14 against Red Bull Salzburg in their second UEFA Champions League Group E match.
Potter worked at Ostersunds FK, Swansea City, and Brighton before joining Chelsea. He first came up against Guardiola during the 2018–19 campaign during Manchester City’s 3-2 FA Cup quarterfinal victory against Swansea City at the Liberty Stadium.
Speaking at a pre-match press conference in January 2021, Guardiola heaped praise on Potter and said that he identifies with the Englishman’s tactical setups. He told reporters (via Daily Mail):
“I am a big fan of Graham Potter. From the first time at Swansea, it was a joy to analyse his teams but also a concern when you play them.
“His players have the courage to play, they all know what to do. The first thing I would tell my players is: ‘We have to be at a high level against them’.”
He added: “They have runners high and wide, it does not matter if they are wing-backs, full-backs or wingers. And after that, they create spaces for people in the middle.
“They press aggressive, all the things I would like as a spectator. I identify with his teams.”
Chelsea are currently seventh in the 2022-23 Premier League standings with ten points from six matches. The Blues will next be in action against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Saturday (October 1).