Chelsea Supporters' Trust have released a statement condemning abuse aimed at Graham Potter and his family over his job at the club. The former Brighton boss opened up on the difficulties surrounding the abuse ahead of his side's clash with Tottenham.
The Blues have struggled for form under their new head coach in recent weeks, sitting 10th in the Premier League and ambling towards an aimless final few months of the campaign. The Boehly-Clearlake regime have continued to back the manager, despite the pressure mounting on him.
While there is much debate surrounding his job, the reveal of threats from some had opened a new perspective to the difficulties being faced behind the scenes. Speaking on Friday, Potter said: "It's a challenge, if you go to work and somebody is swearing abuse at you, it’s not going to be pleasant – or if you’re referred to as the worst person in the history of the club. You can say, ‘oh I don’t care’ but you know I’m lying because everyone does care what people think because we are hard-wired to be socially connected.
READ MORE: Graham Potter handed Chelsea sacking warning amid Todd Boehly meeting and Tottenham clash
"I want to succeed here. It's nonsense the notion I don’t care. People have a perception that I don’t care and my response is what is that based on? How do you know? I would ask you to ask my family how life has been for me and for them. It has not been pleasant at all..."
He continued: "Nevertheless, when you ask me questions: ‘Is it hard? Is it tough? Is it nice to hear?', as much as I’ve had support, I’ve had some not particularly nice emails come through that want me to die, want my kids to die. Obviously, that's not pleasant to receive.
"If you’re asked about it for four months, are under pressure for four months, and are under pressure because you guys need to sell stuff, what do you expect in the end? If we don’t get the results then obviously that’s what happens. That’s football. That’s how it is. The challenge for me is, ‘Ok, how do I conduct myself’? That’s what I always turn to. The higher you go, the more pressure you have on how you are as a person."
The Chelsea Supporters' Trust responded to news of the abuse aimed at Potter, slamming those that have sent that abuse his way. The statement posted on social media reads: "The Chelsea Supporters' Trust is appalled that Graham Potter and his family have been subjected to death threats.
"The actions of those individuals are disgusting, and they do not represent Chelsea FC supporters. No manager and their family should be subjected to any threats of this nature - we are deeply disappointed.
"While debate and criticism regarding personnel and performances are part of the game, this must never escalate into abusive behaviour directed at individuals and family members. The threats are beyond unacceptable and we support any subsequent investigation."
READ NEXT:
Four questions Graham Potter cannot avoid ahead of pivotal Tottenham vs Chelsea clash
Todd Boehly told who Chelsea should replace Graham Potter with amid mounting sack pressure
Tuchel, Pochettino, Zidane - What Chelsea manager candidates have said amid Todd Boehly decision
Graham Potter faces critical Chelsea moment as unthinkable Tottenham result could end in sacking
Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from Stamford Bridge
