Graham Potter using Chelsea stars’ trendy barber and jokes ‘maybe I’m growing into my face like a fine wine’
GRAHAM POTTER was told by his 12-year-old son this week that he has had a ‘glow up’.
Chelsea’s fashion unconscious manager is still not sure whether it was a compliment or an insult.
But one thing for certain is that people are talking about him a lot more now.
Modest Potter hates seeing himself on TV and prefers visiting the dentist to stepping in front of the cameras.
But like it or not, Potter’s profile is rising along with the fortunes of his team and it means his words, his hair and his dress sense are big talking points — much to his bafflement.
Even the black turtle-neck jumper under his suit at recent games is causing a stir, with comparisons to James Bond or the super smooth Milk Tray Man from yesteryear’s advertising for chocolates.
READ MORE ON CHELSEA
He said: “Somebody said to me the other day that I have had a ‘glow up’.
“I have no idea what that is. But maybe I am growing into my face like fine wine.
“I have had a haircut from somebody that cuts the lads’ hair. So probably that has made a difference, I don’t know. It cost a lot more than I thought it was going to.
“Milk Tray Man? Is he the one that climbed through the windows?
“I used to wear the polo neck. It is not a new jumper. It’s not that old but not new either.
Most read in Football
HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
“If you check back — and I know this is not investigative journalism — I think we beat Tottenham 1-0 with that jumper, so maybe it is a lucky jumper? I don’t know.
“I’m a bit more higher profile and my face is unfortunately too often on the television.
“I don’t like seeing myself on TV, I get sweaty palms and I’d rather go to the dentist, to be honest.
“I know there is 24-hour news now, and it has to be filled, so it may as well be about my jumper. Although I would like discussions about me to be a bit more highbrow.”
Nobody even mentioned his eyebrows but maybe Potter, 47, will get those done soon as part of his image transformation.
It is impossible to argue with the change in complexion at Chelsea in recent weeks.
Most read in Football
Undefeated since former Brighton chief Potter took over five games ago, with four of those wins.
Tomorrow the Brummie will be chasing a fifth successive victory, against boyhood team Aston Villa.
Villa boss Steven Gerrard, whose side drew 1-1 at Nottingham Forest on Monday, is under intense pressure.
MY VIEW BY CLEMMIE FIELDSEND, FASHION EDITOR
GRAHAM POTTER has gone from geek to chic.
With a comb over and shoes shiny enough to use a mirror, the only way was up when he was making his managerial breakthrough.
Potter used to resemble an awkward teenager with a wonky school tie and shirt but thankfully he’s given those outfits the boot.
The Chelsea boss looks like he’s been inspired by Pep Guardiola with his appreciation for a sleek knit and letting his facial fuzz take over.
This week’s Champions League trip to the Italian city of Milan — which recently hosted their famous fashion week — was the perfect place to showcase his sharp new look.
His style is certainly now more front row than stuck in the sidelines.
Potter said: “The margins are very small in the Premier League.
“Steven will want to improve the results and will be looking to this game to try to do that.
“Had they beaten Nottingham Forest they would have gone above Liverpool, so that shows you how quickly things can change.
“We have to make sure we’re ready for the challenge. In the Premier League, there is always someone under pressure.
“At the moment it’s Steven but he will come through, I’m sure.”