Graham Potter has been discussing the disappointment of seeing the positive work his players have been producing in training going unrewarded on matchday, a trend he hopes will stop when Chelsea play Leeds tomorrow.
The head coach is desperate to turn our recent run of results around, and he knows that must first start with what happens at Cobham between games.
Potter also recognised the work that goes on behind the scenes ultimately counts for very little when it comes to the output during the real thing at the weekend, but that doesn’t stop him feeling frustrated at our recent inability to convert good training sessions into Premier League points.
‘We are seeing a lot of positives day to day, but they haven’t been able to transfer themselves onto the pitch in terms of results,’ Potter said today.
‘Daily training, the spirit of the players, the group coming together, that’s all positive, but it’s hard to talk positive because results aren’t good.
‘Performances haven’t been as bad as results, but nevertheless we know the business we’re in and we haven’t liked the results.
‘The boys have taken responsibility, they know where we’re at,’ added Potter.
‘We all admit we can do better, firstly me, and the players are honest enough to know they can do better as well.
‘We’re all there, we’re all fighting, but we need to show it on the pitch and that has to manifest itself in three points.’
Leeds are the fifth visitors to Stamford Bridge in 2023. We have scored just one goal in front of our home support this calendar year, Kai Havertz’s winner against Crystal Palace back on January 15.
Potter says he completely understands why Chelsea supporters who go every week, as well as those following from around the world, are feeling edgy at the moment, and he has them in his mind when he targets a turnaround in fortunes.
‘We’ve been fighting this week to prepare well, to make sure we’re in a position where we can give a performance our supporters are happy with.
‘Fans care. It’s an emotion, and however that comes out is understandable. We’re hurting as well, but we also know they are. We thank them for their support because it’s been there completely.
‘When you lose 1-0 at home to the team that’s bottom of the league, you expect a negative response. No complaints about that at all. Our supporters have been fair and supportive when they can.
‘We haven’t been good enough at the moment to give them enough to be really excited about with the team, and that’s where the work is.’