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Oti Rubben

A year ago

GRAHAM POTTER'S REMARKS HINT AT MAN CITY'S AND PEP GUARDIOLA'S NEXT CHALLENGE.

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A year ago

After firing Thomas Tuchel, Chelsea hired Graham Potter of Brighton as their next manager. 

The American owners have swore in Graham Potter. 

It's possible that Pep Guardiola couldn't believe his luck this year, but nothing about his historic reign at Manchester City can be put down to chance. Guardiola has altered the nature of the game on these soils and has so far risen to every obstacle thrown his him. all but one.


It has been sixteen months since Kai Havertz put an end to City's agonizing loss in their most recent attempt to win a European championship in Porto. That happened at a time when the Covid-19 outbreak had prevented former Chelsea players Thomas Tuchel and Roman Abramovich from personally meeting. 


Even while so much has changed since then, not just at Stamford Bridge, Guardiola and his all-star team are still in the sights of potential rivals. However, their primary aim has receded more into the misty horizon, which is concerning for Liverpool, Chelsea, and others. 


When City acquired the unstoppable Erling Haaland from the German team Borussia Dortmund this summer, they won the goal-scoring lottery. This season, the Norwegian has destroyed everyone in his path in the Premier League. By August, records had already begun to fall, and Haaland will only continue to improve. 


Of course, he is not the only factor in Guardiola and City's successful start to their most recent title defense. Even with one obvious gap after Sergio Aguero, the additional goals and dangerous presence in attacking areas are more about him being the last piece to a puzzle that represented a masterpiece. 

Graham Potter, pictured at Brighton in 2021.

The legendary Argentine has been replaced, but City will never forget him. Another important topic for the pursuers to address, and Chelsea has taken the initiative by firing Tuchel and bringing in Graham Potter in his place after the latter's valiant efforts on the south coast. 


It's nice to be able to take the next step and to be able to work with an exciting group of players we have here - and to compete at the top, you know, try to create a winning team. Of course, the history of the club speaks for itself, but it's about trying to create that again in our own way. 


It was inevitable that Potter's huge move would occur since he possesses the qualities of humility, drive, and innovation. But nothing will be more difficult than unseating Guardiola as Premier League leader. 


Even though it was a one-off game and Tuchel received assistance from Guardiola himself in terms of team selection, he still succeeded on the grandest platform. Ultimately, there were numerous sparkling reminders of the effort and strain ahead as Potter took his first steps around Cobham. 


Jurgen Klopp will undoubtedly be concerned about Liverpool and their unexpected early-season troubles, even if he has enough money in the bank to maintain his position. Additionally, Arsenal and Tottenham have improved, while Manchester United has made good progress thus far under ten Hag, Erik 

Regardless of allegiances, you could argue persuasively that those three teams are not prepared to start a serious bid for the title - although there is a chance - and that leaves City as the overwhelming favorite to once again have their name inscribed on the trophy. 


When it comes to their chances of winning the Champions League, Guardiola will continue to pursue perfection and immortality and won't see it that way. Chelsea, however, should never be undervalued in either sense. 


The west Londoners are not a wildcard per se, of course, but an unpredictable transfer market and boardroom have been combined with an audacious appointment. Potter merits this chance and, should he repeat his achievements at a bigger club under greater pressure, might yet pose City's biggest challenge this season, both domestically and in their ongoing pursuit of European honors.


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