Chelsea Graham Potter

Potter's long-term future at Chelsea remains up in the air and in-form Dortmund are next on Tuesday, but he solved one issue against Leeds.

[France](https://theathletic.com/football/team/france/) Under-21 centre-back had headed over from an identical near-post delivery in the first half. [Leeds United](https://theathletic.com/football/team/leeds-united/) on Saturday, left wing-back [Ben Chilwell](https://theathletic.com/football/player/ben-chilwell-aT2UBrL6NFLEM9vk/) was cast as the transformed swan and Potter the sorcerer. However, Chelsea could manipulate and exploit their 4-1-4-1 mid-block defensive approach in a similar way, especially considering the volume of possession Potter’s side are expected to have. Chelsea have conceded 13 times beyond the 60-minute mark in Premier League games this season, more than 11 of the 19 other sides, and they have only scored nine goals in the final half-hour of matches. This allowed [Joao Felix](https://theathletic.com/football/player/joao-felix-ucCJXAWiq0yowCTd/) to roam wide left but Chelsea were predictable and stagnant in possession — 44.9 per cent of their attacking-half touches were down their left, but they failed to pick apart the home side’s 5-4-1 defensive block. [Chelsea](https://theathletic.com/football/team/chelsea/) won for only the second time in 2023, again by a 1-0 scoreline; their first victory in 48 days and seven games across all competitions. [Conor Gallagher](https://theathletic.com/football/player/conor-gallagher-oqIDYc9NkOBANdyR/) and [Denis Zakaria](https://theathletic.com/football/player/denis-zakaria-xtJaqenVE1USfjH2/) — are fair. The …but he rushes the final action. Leeds adapted by dropping their wingers deeper, into a temporary back five at times. [Kalidou Koulibaly](https://theathletic.com/football/player/kalidou-koulibaly-Xrp8uQyKo6Y04VY4/), centre, was positioned between [Wesley Fofana](https://theathletic.com/football/player/wesley-fofana-B3xBiMo59OK63V81/), right and [Benoit Badiashile](https://theathletic.com/football/player/benoit-badiashile-PjQKdFS2LzolyOLX/) in the back three. [Kai Havertz](https://theathletic.com/football/player/kai-havertz-BAHAYdE2WeiErgTt/) drops deep and finds the [England](https://theathletic.com/football/team/england/) left-back with a chipped pass over the defence…

For all of Chelsea's new signings this season, it is a fully-fit Reece James that Potter needs most for the 3-4-3 switch to work against Dortmund.

It’s a collective, we have to create more and do better, and that starts with me. “You can see what he brings, but he’s still building as that hamstring is getting strong and stronger each minute. “You can see his quality, and if he’s enjoying his football he’s a really important player for us,” Potter said. “Both Ben and Reece have been unavailable a long time, we’ve had to find different solutions but clearly it’s a role they’re comfortable in.” It is a system that eagerly awaits Reece James’ return, too, with a tight hamstring ruling the wing-back out against Leeds. It’s important to keep a clean sheet as well.”

Midfielder Loftus-Cheek admits Chelsea have been 'mediocre' recently and their players are in debt to under-fire head coach Potter for defending them amid ...

You make that change from the Premier League and it is a complete shift in your mind. We have got this win, and then if we win against Dortmund and then keep winning… We have massive respect for the manager, the way he has been sitting in front of the media with us in this poor form. We had the poor run, so of course you are going to get that especially at Chelsea. ‘It might look like that from the outside, but that is not the case. Ruben Loftus-Cheek leaps to the defence of 'fantastic' Graham Potter after win over Leeds...

Chelsea news: The Blues find themselves sat mid-table in the Premier League after suffering for consistency under Graham Potter.

The [former Chelsea captain is currently working with the club's Under-21s](https://www.football.london/chelsea-fc/news/john-terry-graham-potter-chelsea-26220519) after ending his playing career in 2018. "I have nothing to do with the first team. [Chelsea](https://www.football.london/chelsea-fc/) eased the pressure on Graham Potter on Saturday with a much-needed 1-0 win over Leeds. [Potter ](https://www.football.london/chelsea-fc/news/potter-tuchel-chelsea-thiago-silva-26391256)found himself faced with severe pressure from supporters after last week's London derby defeat to Tottenham. "For me, I'd get John Terry involved now," Merson said before the Leeds win. Todd Boehly is sticking with Potter to come good before the end of the season but there remains plenty of work to do.

Chelsea may have got back to winning ways by beating Leeds United in the Premier League - but it's not all sunshine and rainbows at Stamford Bridge.Ev.

“It’s been a tough period for us. The boys are suffering because they care, they do. Probably the second half was a bit of ‘we’ve got something to lose’, which is where you’d expect us to be given the run we’ve had. They want us to win with more comfort, and we all want that. “We’re playing against one of the best teams in the league in terms of intensity. The crowd were great, they want us to do well.

Chelsea beat Leeds 1-0 at Stamford Bridge to ease some of the pressure on Potter.

The supporters have been suffering too. The boys have been suffering because they care. Chelsea beat Leeds 1-0 at Stamford Bridge to ease some of the pressure on Potter

Chelsea news: Graham Potter was without his first choice right wing-back against Leeds but is hopeful of a return on Tuesday against Borussia Dortmund.

"Both of those, Ben and Reece, have been unavailable for us for a long time so we’ve had to find different solutions," Potter continued. “Reece just felt a little bit of tightness," Potter said before the game on Saturday. It’s a collective, we have to create more, do better and that starts with me, helping the team get better chances more chances because then I don’t doubt the quality of the players." "I think we have to attack better as a team and that’s my responsibility," Potter explained. In their wake there hasn't been a consistent goalscoring threat or finisher in the team, something that has fallen on the shoulders of Havertz. Having gone to a four-man defence in recent weeks, showing little sign of his acumen for tactical flexibility, Potter admitted that the back-three made Chelsea look more assured. "Which is sometimes understandable when he’s coming back from an injury. The turn towards the old system appeared to work too, giving Chilwell more attacking freedom, whilst James has also been at his best in an advanced role. We were better in terms of attacking certainly of the first half. Reece James was rested out of precaution after a tight hamstring and is in line to face Borussia Dortmund, "Yeah, I think it would," he said after the match. Joao Felix sent his shot against the bar whilst

Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic has had his say about Graham Potter's decision to revert to a "familiar" back-three system against Leeds.

The freedom a back-three formation gives to the wing-backs is arguably the most obvious reason why it suits Chelsea really well. “We had a good game, but the most important is that we continue.” “We prepared the goal well in training because we know that Wesley is good in the air,” the Croatia international said after the game (via Chelsea’s

Chelsea news: Blues fans were quick to add to the misery of Manchester United at rivals Liverpool following the 1-0 win against Leeds.

@iLatif_: Graham Potter has never conceded 7 in one game but Ten Hag has. This is why Graham Potter should be given a long term contract. Although Erik ten Hag's men are comfortably clear in the table it was with humour that the fanbase took a dig at their opposing number.

Chelsea head coach Graham Potter revealed the main reason why he isn't worried about the Blues' scoring woes.

It gives us confidence...as we prepare for a massive game on Tuesday." He added: "It's really good for the players to win and to keep a clean sheet. "I'm delighted for the players and for the supporters because they are the most important in the football club."

Chelsea head coach Graham Potter hasn't yet won reprieve, in spite of his Blues team's desperate victory at home to Leeds United at Stamford Bridge.

Meanwhile battening down the hatches at 70 minutes in pure preparation for a likely crisis of conceding is slightly unnerving. Hope remains with Todd Boehly and presumably some of his fellow Chelsea chiefs over the Englishman; reports state that the board is Defeating Leeds at home by the slimmest of margins may have bought Potter some time, though he is far from out of the woods.

Wesley Fofana scored the only goal as Leeds lost 1-0 at Stamford Bridge.

We’ve had a tough period so I’m delighted for the players and the supporters because they’ve had to suffer. "That is where you would expect us to be given the run we’ve had. So in the end, it’s really good for the players to keep a clean sheet, win the game, and to have that feeling. "When we got the goal, it was a pleasing moment for us all and in the second half, it was a little us having something to lose. It was pleasing to get the win," Potter revealed in his post-match press conference. [Chelsea](https://www.leeds-live.co.uk/all-about/chelsea-fc), who [ended a run of six games without a win](https://www.leeds-live.co.uk/sport/leeds-united/chelsea-leeds-united-live-score-26385692) in all competitions.

Chelsea manager Graham Potter has said that he is delighted with their win over Leeds United after going through a tough run of results.

Potter said Chelsea tried to maintain pressure on Leeds United throughout the game and got the breakthrough thanks to a header from Fofana. [By India Today Web Desk](/author/india-today-web-desk): Chelsea manager Graham Potter has said that he is delighted with their win over Leeds United after going through a tough run of results. Chelsea manager Graham Potter has said that he is delighted with their win over Leeds United after going through a tough run of results.

Graham Potter was finally able to break Chelsea's barren spell by clinching a 1-0 win at home against relegation-threatened Leeds, while Todd Boehly ...

It's been a tough period for us all and it's nice to go home with a win. The boys have been suffering because they care, they do. Players want to win and supporters want us to do well. “I'm delighted for the players and I'm delighted for the supporters because they are the most important people at the football club. Let us know in the They edged past relegation-battling Leeds thanks to a Wesley Fofana header 53 minutes in, which was only their second goal in seven matches.

Havertz has scored just two goals since the World Cup and missed a good chance in Saturday's 1-0 win over Leeds.

ADRIAN KAJUMBA AT STAMFORD BRIDGE: It would have been easy to scoff when Graham Potter spoke of 'a feeling that it's close' at Chelsea before the visit of ...

Dortmund will be a far bigger test for Chelsea than Leeds. It is a pivotal game for Potter, one likely to give a far clearer indication of whether Chelsea have turned a corner. He has also not even made the squad for Chelsea’s last three games. The manager’s plan is facing instant disruption, though, as he will be without Badiashile against Dortmund. ‘It would be beneficial to stick with a formation,’ said Potter. Potter also had at least one of his first-choice wing-backs, who are crucial to this system, in Ben Chilwell. That is the least that should be expected after a near £600million spent on new players this season. On this occasion he had more of the required pieces in place. The Frenchman is ineligible, having not been included in Chelsea’s Champions League squad. Here was something to persist with. but Dortmund will be a far bigger test than Leeds For the first of two games expected to be pivotal to the manager’s future, Potter reverted to a back three against Leeds.

Football Insider has been told by Alan Hutton that Graham Potter needs until the start of the new season to turn things around at Chelsea.

“He needs the rest of this season, wherever they finish it is something they are just going to have to take on the chin. Hutton insisted Potter needs the rest of the season to turn things around. Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Tottenham and Aston Villa defender said Potter should be given pre-season and 10 or 15 games of the 2023/24 season to turn things around.

Chelsea claimed a confidence-boosting victory over Leeds United ahead of their Champions League Round of 16 second leg against Borussia Dortmund tomorrow.

We are Chelsea and we have to win. He deserved that goal and worked very hard for it. Yet the 47-year-old remains in charge and the mood around Stamford Bridge was lifted – albeit minimally – by [Chelsea](https://www.football.london/all-about/chelsea) securing a hard-fought victory over Leeds United on Saturday. "I cannot say what will happen in the future but it will for sure give us confidence. We will work better after a win and we can build after this game." The German giants, who currently sit second in the Bundesliga,

Dortmund lead 1-0 from the first leg in Germany, a match in which Potter's side dominated but failed to make the most of a host of chances.

We’re delighted with that, we’re looking forward to him on the pitch on Tuesday, hopefully enjoying his football.” “Helping the team get better chances, more chances. It’s a collective, we have to create more, do better, and that starts with me. “He attacks the back line well. I thought he contributed really well, especially in the first half. “You can see his quality that he brings,” said Potter.

The Blues have a quick turnaround before they face their biggest game of the season against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League tomorrow. They need to ...

We’re delighted with that, we’re looking forward to him on the pitch on Tuesday, hopefully enjoying his football.” It will likely be a front three that mirrors the one who operated against Leeds. [dominant performance from the Frenchman.](https://www.thechelseachronicle.com/club-news/graham-potter-says-22-year-olds-brave-display-gave-chelsea-win-v-leeds/) [He said:](https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/champions-league-raheem-sterling-borussia-dortmund-pierreemerick-aubameyang-leeds-b2294623.html) “His goalscoring record in the Champions League speaks for itself. [not taking their chances on the break in Germany.](https://www.thechelseachronicle.com/pundit-view/jason-cundy-sends-message-graham-potter-ahead-of-borussia-dortmund-clash/) [Graham Potter](https://www.thechelseachronicle.com/tag/graham-potter/) has [hinted to the Independent](https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/champions-league-raheem-sterling-borussia-dortmund-pierreemerick-aubameyang-leeds-b2294623.html) that he will start [Raheem Sterling ](https://www.thechelseachronicle.com/tag/raheem-sterling/)for Chelsea on Tuesday.

James was unplayable in that position in Chelsea's Champions League victory over AC Milan at Stamford Bridge earlier this season and the team's best two ...

Sterling will be looking to add to his 26 Champions League goals and Potter said: “I think his goalscoring record in the Champions League speaks for itself. So we're delighted with that and we're looking forward to him being on the pitch on Tuesday and, hopefully, contributing to us winning and going through.” It's a collective, we have to create more, do better and that starts with me, helping the team get better chances, more chances because then I don't doubt the quality of the players.” But clearly that’s a role they’re comfortable in and brings out their quality, so something for us to go forward with.” Asked if it might be beneficial, injuries and availability allowing, to stick with a back three, Potter said: “Yeah, I think it would. He will be forced to make at least one more on Tuesday night for the visit of Borussia Dortmund because defender Benoit Badiashile is not eligible to play for the Blues in the Champions League.

Chelsea's hopes at winning a trophy this season could be extinguished during a do-or-die game against Borussia Dortmund this week.The Blues trail 1-0.

- Jude Bellingham is Borussia Dortmund’s highest scorer in the UEFA Champions League this season with four goals, including one away against Manchester City in the group stages. - Borussia Dortmund are looking to win both legs of a UEFA Champions League knockout round tie for the first time since 1996-97. Havertz was involved in eight of the Blues’ 21 attempts against Dortmund in the first leg, having four shots and creating four chances. - At Dortmund, Chelsea lost away in the first leg of a UEFA Champions League knockout stage tie for the eighth time. - Borussia Dortmund have lost seven of their last eight away games in the UEFA Champions League knockout rounds, with the exception being a 3-2 win at Sevilla in the round of 16 in 2020-21. - Chelsea are hosting Borussia Dortmund in a match for the very first time – having won six of their first seven UEFA Champions League home games against German sides (D1), the Blues are now winless in their last two (D1 L1).