The Blues are back in Premier League action hoping to move up the table at Craven Cottage, the home of our local neighbours and a short journey down the road from our south-west London base.

Marco Silva’s side are three points and three places above us in seventh ahead of the clash following a patchy run of form from Potter’s men either side of the FIFA World Cup break. However, the Chelsea head coach insists leading the club into this fresh era under new ownership remains an exciting prospect.

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‘Change is challenging in any organisation,’ he said. ‘The change happened because of events outside of us, it wasn’t a coup, so we have to deal with the new now. That was part of the challenge for me to come here.

‘I understood that it was going to be really difficult but I thought from a leadership perspective it’s fascinating, challenging, stimulating and ridiculously hard. It’s probably the hardest job in football because of that leadership change and the expectations and how people rightly see Chelsea.

‘Obviously I didn’t think we’d lose 10 first team players [to injury] as well but that’s where we’re at. All I can do is speak honestly, give my perspective and understand the criticisms you get when you lose.’

While guiding the Blues through this difficult spell may appear tough from the outside looking in, Potter is maintaining a positive mindset.

‘When you lose and don’t get results, it’s painful but you have to take responsibility,’ he said. ‘I can’t be the Chelsea manager and not expect pressure or trouble or challenge or stress. You have to show up and lead the group.

‘I’m really grateful and privileged to be here. The way you get through this tough period is to be really grateful for it because it’s an unbelievable challenge.’