Graham Potter says he’s ready for ‘a few awkward conversations’ with Chelsea’s new signings as he’s only able to name three of them in his Champions League squad – despite buying EIGHT players last month
Graham Potter suggested that he knows which players will not be included in his Champions League squad, with only three new names allowed to be added at the end of the January transfer window.
The Chelsea boss hinted that he and his team are ‘aware of who we need to speak to’ and admitted that there were likely to be ‘a few awkward conversations’.
The Blues are facing a Champions League headache, with UEFA rules limiting the number of players that can be added to a squad, despite the club’s high-profile spending spree that saw them land eight new players in January.
Potter refused to name any names of who might be left out of the squad, but did reveal that Joao Felix was still in contention.
The Portuguese star arrived in west London on loan from Atletico Madrid, but has only featured once for his new club after receiving a red card for a challenge against Friday’s opponents Fulham.
Graham Potter refused to be drawn on which players would make the Champions League squad
He confirmed that striker Joao Felix was still in contention despite only joining on loan
‘We’ve got a bit of time before we have to make the decision, but we’re aware of who we need to speak to,’ Potter revealed, when asked at Thursday’s press-conference whether he had decided which players would make the cut.
‘There’s going to be a few awkward questions and conversations and that’s the reality of where we are because only 11 can play, only a certain amount can be in squads so there’s always going to be players that are disappointed.
‘It’s about being as honest and open and respectful and transparent as you can, and creating an environment where you respect the fact that people want to play, that players want to compete and help the team, but they have to wait and be patient and be ready to play, perform and help us win.’
And when asked whether Felix was also in with a chance to make the cut, Potter kept his cards close to his chest, saying: ‘He’s in contention.’
Chelsea brought in six new players over the January transfer window,…