The Blues need to overturn a one-goal deficit against Borussia Dortmund to advance to the Champions League quarter-finals. We have managed that exact turnaround in European competition four times in our history, having brought a team back to the Bridge 1-0 down and still progressed.

To do so again will require a collective effort, and Potter wants the Chelsea support to play their part in making life difficult for an in-form Dortmund side.

‘Stamford Bridge is going to be rocking,’ the head coach said.

‘It was a special occasion in Dortmund, and I’m sure it will be the same at Stamford Bridge. It’s an exciting game, a chance to go through to the last eight of the Champions League, so a special night at Stamford Bridge.

‘In the Champions League away from home it’s tough. We want to make sure it’s tough for Dortmund and we need our supporters for that.

‘Fans are always entitled to air their views, and we know they have been suffering like the rest of us have in terms of the results we’ve had,’ added Potter.

‘But the reception we had and the support we had at the weekend was fantastic. They were behind the team. They know the importance of the game tomorrow night, and they know how important they are.’

The first leg in Germany three weeks ago was an evenly-fought contest which the hosts edged, but with better finishing it might well have been Chelsea heading into tonight’s game with the advantage.

From what Potter saw in the first leg and in recent days at Cobham, he is confident we have it in us to reverse the situation and keep our European dreams alive.

‘It’s a good challenge for us, but we’re excited for it and we’re looking forward to it.

‘We’re meeting a top opponent. You can see their results in the Bundesliga. They’re in a fantastic vein of form, winning games constantly, 10 in a row. They’re doing a lot well, but what an opportunity for us.

‘The boys are in a good place, they’re confident, they’re motivated, they’re together. There has been a support for each other, a good spirit. The smiles come back when you win a game and we’re all looking forward to tonight.

‘It’s half-time, we’re 1-0 down, we need to respond, and this group of players can do that.’