Graham Potter claims Chelsea stars have slammed Thomas Tuchel for pre-season blunder.. but fans aren’t convinced
GRAHAM POTTER has claimed senior Chelsea stars have slammed the club’s pre-season as the “WORST” they’ve had – though fans seem to have little sympathy.
The Chelsea boss explained how he had spoken to senior stars in the team, with them giving their thoughts about the pre-season tour to America.
Ahead of Sunday’s clash against Tottenham, he said: “Speaking to a few of the experienced guys, they said it was the worst pre-season they’ve had.
“Organisationally, the tour didn’t work as well as they’d like. I wasn’t there so I can’t say.”
The tour saw Chelsea travel across the United States, playing in Las Vegas, Charlotte and Orlando before returning to Europe for a double-header in Italy.
Results were far from ideal on the tour too.
Tuchel’s side lost 5-3 on penalties to Charlotte FC and were on the end of 4-0 drubbing by Arsenal three days later.
However, given the poor results seen throughout the season, particularly in recent weeks, fans appeared to be in anything but a sympathetic mood for Potter.
In response, one fan wrote: “Another excuse for the way the season is panning out?”
A second said: “Did Tuchel not say the same thing and the owners sacked him and said he sold them out in his presser after the Arsenal game in pre-season .
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“They took the guys to the USA to do commercials and no room for manager to work.”
A third commented: “It’s really easy blame it on Tuchel! Potter is soft and he’s only good at giving excuses!”
While a fourth declared: “He is looking for excuses now.”
A fifth added: “New excuse.”
After a rocky start to the season, Tuchel was given the boot by owner Todd Boehly in September, with Potter coming in as his replacement.
And despite a massive transfer outlay of £320million in January, results have not really picked up after the World Cup break with the Blues winning just two of their 11 games since.