Graham Potter admitted that he could understand why Chelsea fans booed him and his underperforming side, after their miserable season reached a new nadir in losing 1-0 at home to Southampton.
Chelsea went into the game with the Saints on the back of a run which had seen them win just one of their nine games in all competitions since the turn of the year. On paper at least, Southampton provided a good chance to return to winning ways - but Potter's side are proving experts at spurning chances and did so again.
James Ward-Prowse’s first-half goal was the difference between the two sides, with the Blues facing the possibility of being 13 points off the top four by the end of the weekend.
Potter was only appointed earlier this season, replacing Thomas Tuchel, with the club’s new ownership wanting their own man in the dugout. However, after losing to Southampton, he is now odds-on-favourite to be the next Premier League manager to lose his role.
The Chelsea hierarchy are believed to be fully behind Potter and are looking long-term after a record-breaking transfer spending spree. But their slump is now becoming increasingly alarming and their hopes of European football dwindling by the week.
For much of this season, fans have stood behind the boss, but the tide finally appeared to turn on Saturday with the full-time whistle greeted by loud boos after yet another no-show under the former Brighton manager.
The 47-year-old went into the clash with Southampton without a senior striker, after once again leaving Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang out of the matchday squad. And another blank means the Blues have now scored just four times in their last 10 outings.
Speaking before the game, Potter insisted that the newly-assembled group were progressing well, despite a desperate run of results. But patience is wearing thin with all concerned and he empathised with supporters who made their feelings known at the final whistle.
"After a 1-0 defeat at home, any criticism you get is understandable," Potter explained. "We've had a tough period and are integrating young players into the Premier League. When results don't go your way it's tough.
"I'm not arrogant enough to say that their opinion isn't worth articulating. My job is to help the team and work through a team period.
"The truth is we took as step back with our performance in the first half. Our response in the second half was good, but it wasn't enough."
He added: "It was, certainly in the first half. Returning from the Champions League and we had to make some changes, we lose a bit of fluidity and cohesion. Southampton mixed the game well but our performance wasn't what we wanted in the first half and I take as much responsibility in that. Second half was good and we deserved a goal. But when you don't, it's obviously difficult."
