Pundit issues ‘massive’ Graham Potter warning amid new Chelsea sack claim
Noel Whelan has claimed Graham Potter’s job could be under threat if he fails to lead Chelsea to Champions League qualification.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the Blues have taken a “leap of faith” by rejecting “big names” like Mauricio Pochettino and Zinedine Zidane.
Chelsea have moved quickly to secure a replacement for Thomas Tuchel after his sacking on Tuesday (6 September), confirming the appointment of Brighton boss Potter on Thursday (8 September).
The Blues have started the new campaign with just 10 points from a possible 18 despite spending a British-record £271.1million during the summer window.
They sit sixth in the Premier League table – three points outside the Champions League places.
Whelan warned Potter that he “needs to hit the ground running straight away” at Stamford Bridge.
He told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury: “Every manager needs time.
“Arteta needed time at Arsenal, he was under massive pressure. This is the same, if not a bigger job for Potter.
“He’s under the spotlight straight away. He isn’t one of the big names like Pochettino or Zidane – they’ve taken a leap of faith here.
“Some other clubs might not have gone for him.
“The board will give him some time – not too much – to adapt. But they’ll expect results. They’ll expect Champions League football next season.
“Let’s not forget, they’ve spent over £250million during the summer.
“He needs to hit the ground running straight away. Managers don’t have time, no matter the length of contract – it’s a results game.”
In other news, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang may be frozen out under Potter at Chelsea amid BBC reveal.