Graham Potter has been tipped to succeed at Chelsea on one condition, according to Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Adam Lallana. The 47-year-old swapped the Amex Stadium for Stamford Bridge last month, penning a new five-year deal.
Doubt was cast as to whether the former Seagulls head coach could handle the added pressure that comes with taking an infamously unforgiving job. And, following the Blues' rampant win over AC Milan in the Champions League, it seems as if Potter is already on the right track.
But, to truly implement all his bright ideas and transform the west Londoners, Lallana has told Todd Boehly that his former boss will need time. Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily, the former Liverpool midfielder insisted that Potter is the right man to lead Chelsea forward.
"Listen, he would have walked into that squad and knew straight away he has an unbelievable array of players to choose from, possibly too many, but he will be calm, he will be patient, he won't be panicking at all," Lallana said. "Having known Graham [Potter] and knowing the way he works, he will be very methodical in his thinking, very calm in how he speaks to the group and getting his messages across.
"And I fully expect him to do a great job there, as long as he is given the time. You know how much pressure these managers are under for instant results, but good things in life do take time, and I hope he is given that time. I have no doubt that with the group of players he has there and the talent, he will get them firing."
The 34-year-old explained the difference between Potter and Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp. Lallana claimed that any player who doesn't cooperate or share his vision at the club will likely be moved on.
"He is brilliant," the Brighton midfielder added. "To give you an example, he is completely different to Jurgen for example, but that is not to say one is right and one is wrong. There are different ways to manage football players and manage egos, and they are both very good at it.
"Graham is more in a methodical, calm way, and he wants your opinion more as a player, and he will speak to you, and you will have back and forths. Before working with Graham, I wasn't used to that, but working with him over the last two or three years, I've realised that, of course, you can work like that, and he got success from that. If you don't buy into it, you will find yourself out of the door.
"He will give everyone a chance, everyone will have a chance to impress, to play well and be part of his culture and his values that he wants, and it is an unbelievable environment to work under if you are ever part of Graham's backroom staff or team.
"I just hope he is given the time because it is a cut-throat business at times because of the pressure, and Chelsea Football Club has been renowned for the demands of winning silverware. But I think it is a challenge he is up for, he is ready for, and I will just be sitting back and watching it unfold."
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