Potter Downplays Aubameyang Fallout After Replacing Substitute

Embattled Chelsea boss Graham Potter has explained his decision to replace substitute Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in Thursday’s 1-0 home loss to Manchester City.

Aubameyang had come on in the fifth minute for the injured Raheem Sterling and was replaced in the 68th minute shortly after Riyad Mahrez had put the visitors ahead.

The former Arsenal and Barcelona forward looked disgruntled at the decision and Potter explained his view.

“He came on after one minute, hadnt played for a while, and put in an absolute shift for us given Manchester City make you run a lot,” Potter said.

“I thought he did everything he could for the team. He was fatiguing a little bit, same as Hakim (Ziyech), so that was the decision.

“We needed a little bit of energy so I thought we could use Omari (Hutchinson), Conor (Gallagher), and Lewis (Hall).

“Of course, players want to stay on the pitch and influence the game. It’s a normal reaction.”

When asked about any exchanges between the pair, Potter added: “I’ve not got time to speak in any depth in that point. You understand that footballers want to play and help the team.

“It’s a decision we have to make. He hasn’t played for a while and playing against Manchester City as a forward, sometimes you have to do a bit of work off the ball.

“He gave everything for the team and was fatiguing a little bit. So that was the decision.”