Graham Potter accepted there can be frustration amongst a few of his gamers as he begins the duty of integrating Chelsea’s new signings following a whirlwind January switch window.
The deadline-day arrival of Enzo Fernandez for a British-record payment took the membership’s signings through the window to eight, and Potter should determine by 11pm on Thursday which three of these he’ll embrace in his Champions League squad.
Potter admitted there can be “awkward conversations” available, with issues over choice from his bloated squad inevitably spilling over into the membership’s Premier League marketing campaign, with 33 first-team gamers on the books.
Four injured gamers are anticipated to be again for Fulham’s go to to Stamford Bridge on Friday evening, with Ben Chilwell, Reece James, Raheem Sterling and Ruben Loftus-Cheek all match sufficient to play some half. The membership are ready to listen to whether or not Fernandez will obtain clearance in time to function.
Returning faces will possible place extra strain on Potter to placate his squad following proprietor Todd Boehly’s spending spree, however he was optimistic that the added competitors can work within the group’s favour.
“Challenge is the right word,” mentioned Potter. “I’m certainly not complaining about it. It’s exciting. It’s a test for me, of course, and for the staff, but it’s an exciting one.
“We’ve got a lot of really good players. We have to create an environment where there’s healthy competition and they can push each other, but at the same time understand that there’s going to be frustration at times, because only 11 can play. That’s how it is.
“We’ve got a lot of important games, and we need to improve our results. It’s about playing, about supporting the team and being ready to play.”
Potter’s first check will come when he submits his choice for the Champions League knock-out phases on Thursday evening, with three further gamers allowed to be added to the record from earlier within the season.
Players are allowed to have featured for an additional facet in Europe through the season, which means Fernandez and fellow new signing Joao Felix are eligible for inclusion. Chelsea play Borussia Dortmund within the last-16 first leg on February 15.
“We’re aware of who we need to speak to,” Potter added. “There’s going to be a few awkward conversations. That’s the reality of where we are. Only 11 can play, only a certain amount can be in the squad.
“There’s always going to be players who are disappointed. It’s about being as honest, open, respectful and transparent as you can.
“You have to create an environment where you respect the fact that people want to play and compete and help the team, but they have to be patient.
“If you spend money, the external noise goes up. I understand that.
“I’ve always said resources is one thing, spending money is one thing, but you need to be able to align them, you need to be able to make the right decisions, you need to be able to provide a culture, a team, an environment.
“It’s not the amount you spend that gets success. It’s more than that.”
