The trusted David Ornstein has dropped a major update on whether Graham Potter will be sacked as Chelsea boss, and Arsenal’s remarkable rise this season is understood to be playing a role in Todd Boehly’s thinking.
Potter was drafted in to replace fan favourite Thomas Tuchel in September. The former Brighton boss inherited a squad that topped the spending charts in the summer. Todd Boehly wasn’t content to rest there, once again ensuring Chelsea were Europe’s biggest spenders in January.
However, despite signing over half a billion pounds worth of new players, Chelsea’s season has been bitterly disappointing thus far.
The Blues bowed out of both domestic cups on Potter’s watch. The draw was admittedly unkind, with Man City drawn in the early stages of both the League Cup and FA Cup.
However, the league form is the most alarming, with the 1-1 draw against West Ham on Saturday meaning Chelsea have won just two from their last 13.
Potter’s win percentage is a measly 39.1 percent. By contrast, Tuchel returned a healthy win percentage of 60 during his time at Stamford Bridge.
Varying outlets have reported Potter is under pressure and the Champions League Round of 16 ties against Borussia Dortmund could reportedly have a major say in whether he’s ousted.
The UCL represents Chelsea’s last chance of silverware this season. What’s more, it likely represents their only route back into Europe’s top competition given Chelsea are 10 points off fourth in the league.
However, the Athletic’s ultra-reliable David Ornstein has weighed in on Potter’s future and it makes great reading for the 47-year-old.
Graham Potter safe; Arsenal serve as blueprint
Ornstein reported the club’s decision-makers aren’t concerned with the recent poor form and Potter is deemed ‘under no pressure’.
One might’ve expected Arsenal’s remarkable rise under Mikel Arteta to raise the heat on Potter, as it seemingly is doing on Antonio Conte at Tottenham.
However, the opposite is reportedly true. Indeed, it’s claimed Todd Boehly and co. view Arsenal’s rise under Arteta after a ‘mixed start’ and a host of young signings in tow a template which Chelsea hope to follow.
The ownership believe Potter should be judged on a timeframe of years, not months. Furthermore, it’s reiterated they’re confident they have ‘one of the best managers in the game’ already in place.
Most tellingly, it’s concluded failure to qualify for next season’s Champions League will not be fatal for Potter.
Clearly, despite the rampant speculation, Chelsea believe they’re on the right track and are prepared to absorb short-term pain for long-term gain.
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