Before Friday night’s match between Chelsea and Fulham, Graham Potter spoke to the media. He said the following.
Potter on Hakim Ziyech’s failed transfer
The players Chelsea didn’t manage to let go on deadline day provided a significant portion of the drama, not the players they did add.
Hakim Ziyech was the most prominent first team player left high and dry after his move to PSG fell through at the eleventh hour, reportedly due to minor administrative errors, as Chelsea was focused on sealing a deal for Enzo Fernandez and neglected to pay attention to those players leaving.
The Moroccan seemed to be upset, which is understandable.
Graham Potter said he was pleased with how Ziyech exercised today during his news conference and that he will be eligible to play against Fulham tomorrow.
“He trained this morning after returning to the nation. This will not be the first or final instance of it. He is a professional. He is available to play against Fulham and will be a crucial player.”
Graham Potter on Hakim Ziyech:
"I spoke with him… heās disappointed, he's a human being but heās professional, he knows the game, he knows life, he's supportive of us. He wants to just get back and help and play."
[via @footballdaily]
pic.twitter.com/vyy2BiZxTd— Absolute Chelsea (@AbsoluteChelsea) February 2, 2023
Graham Potter breaks the silence on Enzo Fernandez’s transfer
Graham Potter finally spoke out against Chelsea’s club-record acquisition of Enzo Fernandez.
After a full month of negotiations, Chelsea finally completed the January transfer of the 22-year-old from Benfica for a club and British record fee of Ā£106.8 million.
Fernandez has chosen to wear the number five shirt at Stamford Bridge and is happy to join the project in the capital. He has signed an eight-and-a-half-year contract that runs through June 2031.
For the first time, Potter discussed Chelsea’s recent addition, Fernandez.
“I was powerless to affect any changes. I learned when it was finished. He’s a wonderful player, so I’m very, very happy,” remarked Potter.
Regarding a possible debut against Fulham, he continued, “We’ll see. We need to go through the procedures to acquire the approval. We’ll make it there even though neither his English nor my Spanish is excellent.”
Graham Potter on new signing Enzo FernĆ”ndez. ??āļø pic.twitter.com/dGNZQAJlF7
— CFC-Blues (@CFCBlues_com) February 2, 2023
Potter: Jorginho’s move to Arsenal is a win-win situation
According to Graham Potter, Jorginho’s transfer from Chelsea to Arsenal is a “win-win” for the midfielder and the two teams.
Potter thinks both teams can gain from the transfer of Jorginho, with Chelsea receiving the money for a player whose contract expires after the current campaign and Arsenal expanding their midfield options to help the team’s championship bid.
At his news conference before Chelsea’s match against Fulham, Potter remarked, “For the four months I’ve worked with him, he’s been fantastic.
“He’s a fantastic guy; what he’s done for this club and how he served it has been brilliant.”
“These factors must be considered along with the player’s contract and the chance he had to find something more stable for his family. It was a win-win situation. I hope he does well.”
? Graham Potter on Jorginho's #AFC move: āHeās been fantastic. A great person. His service and what he's achieved here is brilliant. Sometimes you have to make a decisionā¦ it was a win-win-win with his contract situation and I wish him well. Heās a top professional and person.ā pic.twitter.com/10EXxuoXc8
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) February 2, 2023
Potter: Chelsea spending won’t stop academy prospects progressing
Graham Potter, the manager of Chelsea, is adamant that the club’s recent spending binge would not hinder young youth players from receiving opportunities.
If the club’s policy of nurturing its young players has been neglected, Potter responded, “No, I don’t think so, you’ve got to handle both sections.”
“Taking youngsters from the academy into the first team in the Premier League isn’t simple. With the aspirations of the club generally speaking, especially as you move higher with the demands of this club.”
“For example, 18 years old and an academy member, Lewis Hall was allowed to play for the first squad this season.”
“Although it’s not easy to do, that aspect of the job remains the same. Of course, we still need to consider ways to improve the team and support it externally as well.”
Graham Potter: Keeping the Chelsea squad happy is an exciting test
Following a hectic January transfer window, Graham Potter acknowledged that some players would be frustrated as he started integrating Chelsea’s new additions.
“The appropriate word is challenging,” said Potter. “I’m not complaining about it at all. It is thrilling. Of course, it’s a test for myself and the staff, but it’s fun.”
“We have a tonne of incredibly talented players. We need to foster an atmosphere where people can push each other. While also understanding that there will occasionally be frustration because only 11 people can play. It is what it is.”
“We need to enhance our performance because we have several crucial games coming up. It’s about participating, backing the group, and preparing to play.”
When Potter submits his team for the Champions League knockout rounds on Thursday night, with three more players permitted to be added to the list from earlier in the season, that will be his first test.
