Graham Potter’s third game in charge of Chelsea is, just like his first, a home Champions League fixture. Tonight, the grand old name of AC Milan awaits the Blues, with plenty on the line for both sides.
For the first time since our maiden Champions League campaign, back in 1999/00, we have failed to win either of our opening two group stage fixtures. Incidentally, that was the last time we faced AC Milan in a competitive meeting, and with four points from their first two games this time around, the Italians head to west London with the upper hand in the group.
As he looks forward to a big game in terms of both importance and prestige, Potter is prepared for the Serie A champions to pose up plenty of problems.
‘They’re an absolutely top team,’ said the head coach.
‘I’ve been really impressed. They have a clear idea of how they want to attack and how they want to defend, with different ways to score. It’s a massive challenge for us, an exciting challenge for us, and one the boys are really looking forward to.
‘It’s important to win your home games and that’s what we will try for,’ added Potter.
‘We have to play well and we have to create a good atmosphere for our supporters to get behind us, that’s our job. If you drop your level, sometimes you can get away it, but against the very best teams, which these teams are, they can punish you. That’s what is exciting about this competition.’
AC Milan arrive in west London with two former Blues in their Champions League squad. Olivier Giroud and Fikayo Tomori both departed for the San Siro last year.
Giroud played a major role in Milan’s domestic season earlier this year, and has formed an impressive strike partnership with Rafael Leao, the Portuguese forward who has been linked with a move to the Premier League.
‘He contributes to how they attack and how they score,’ Potter said of the 25-year-old.
‘In terms of what happens in the future, who knows. He’s got the capability for sure. He’s affecting games at the highest level against top opponents.
'Giroud is somebody Chelsea knows well,’ Potter continued.
‘He is a fantastic player, plays the game in a really good well. He uses his quality, uses his strengths.
‘It’s a top team, and we have to be really, really good to get the result we want.’