Chelsea coach Potter to attend first Champions League game

Posted September 13, 2022 7:00 am

The Associated Press

LONDON (AP) - Graham Potter's debut as Chelsea coach on Wednesday will also be his first time at a Champions League game.

Ahead of Chelsea hosting Salzburg, Potter's first media duty on Tuesday with the two-time European champion included being asked if he ever attended a game in the marquee competition.

'œOff the top of my head, I don't think I have. My experiences in the Champions League are just at supporter level,'ť he said, acknowledging just watching matches on television.

Potter stepped up after Thomas Tuchel - a two-time Champions League finalist as coach who led Chelsea to the 2021 title - was fired within hours of a 1-0 loss at Dinamo Zagreb in the opening round of Group E games last week. AC Milan is also in the group.

The 47-year-old Englishman also never played in European competitions during a journeyman playing career yet excelled in his first experience as a coach five years ago.

'œBut obviously I've experienced the Europa League with Ã–stersund, winning at Galatasaray and getting through the group stage,'ť said Potter, who spent seven years transforming the unheralded Swedish club.

Potter joined Chelsea from Brighton, which he left in fourth place in the Premier League table, two spots above his new club.

'œIt's been a whirlwind, getting to know people, leaving Brighton, learning about the players,'ť he said. 'œSo far it's been really, really positive.'ť

___

More AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

FILE - Brighton's head coach Graham Potter during the English FA Cup third round soccer match between West Bromwich Albion and Brighton & Hove Albion at the Hawthorns, West Bromwich, England, Saturday, Jan. 8, 2022. Chelsea have announced on Thursday, Sept. 8, 2022, the appointment of Graham Potter as their new head coach. (AP Photo/Rui Vieira, File) The Associated Press

Article Comments

Article Categories
Content Providers MLS Pro Sports Soccer Sports Sports Leagues Sports Types

Article Comments

Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.