After a few months of hardship, victories over Leeds, Borussia Dortmund, and Leicester were impressive and felt like just rewards. However, things took a turn for the worse after a 2-2 draw with Everton, which left many supporters expecting much more from their team and the manager.
Here's how Potter can utilize the international break to benefit Chelsea and help things to calm down.
Three straight victories gave Chelsea and Potter plenty for optimism, but the Everton draw—decided by errors by crucial players—brought them back to reality. The Blues are once again scoring goals, which is undoubtedly a plus, but Chelsea's defense still needs improvement, so there is work to be done there as well.
Chelsea may have been as effective in possession as they have been under the manager during the Everton game, and that's a big plus for Potter's play style. Supporters have been pleading with their side to change their tactics for months, and they may finally be hearing them.
Yet, one issue that spectators have seen in the most recent games is Potter's dubious in-game management. As soon as Chelsea took the lead, defensive substitutions took precedence because the manager was more focused on trying to hold onto that lead than try to increase it.
There have undoubtedly been advancements, but there have also occasionally been setbacks.
Because several of Chelsea's star players will be abroad on international duty, Potter won't have much tactical flexibility. He still needs to figure out his best lineup, but it will have to wait.
Potter would be better served using this sabbatical to simply step away from the spotlight in the near future. Gareth Southgate and the other international managers now hold the spotlight, giving him the freedom to disappear into the background and carry out his duties covertly.
A few friends who work behind closed doors are prepared to offer assistance in the boss' evaluation of his strategies and beliefs to discover what may be changed.
Also, those who have stayed at Cobham will get an additional two weeks to continue studying Potter's favored method of play. The key players who require the deepest understanding of his methods might not be present, but it's an opportunity to work with a smaller group and bring those squad members up to speed. He might just be getting through to the team.
Potter must also make sure his players are rested and in good health. In preparation for a hectic few months of Champions League matches and vying for a berth in some sort of European competition next season, those who did not travel with their country can rest their legs.
blogpay
Total Comments: 0