Graham Potter believes he has what it takes to succeed at Chelsea despite never managing at the top-level.
The 47-year-old quickly accepted the head coach vacancy at Stamford Bridge at the start of last month following Thomas Tuchel’s dismissal.
Following talks with the Chelsea owners, Potter put pen to paper on a five-year contract and made the switch to the capital from the south coast where he left Brighton & Hove Albion.
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Potter has previously managed at Östersunds, Swansea City and Brighton before taking the next step in his managerial career to manage the two-time Champions League winners.
He drew his first game in charge of Chelsea in a 1-1 stalemate against RB Salzburg in the Champions League last month, and now has the chance to pick up his first win when they face Crystal Palace in the Premier League at Selhurst Park.
Despite not winning any major silverware, Potter is confident that he can join the line of managers at Chelsea to be successful.
Ahead of the game at Selhurst Park, the Chelsea head coach said: “Brighton does have a lovely training ground, and in some ways equal if not better in terms of the facilities.
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“But what we have here is a history, and recognition, photos of people winning major trophies.
“And that’s the main thing. That’s where the expectation, or the pressure, the difference is.
“It’s not about facilities, it’s about people and understanding the difference in the context of this football club.
“Managers, top players, legends, trophies; that’s the difference.
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“But at the same time I’m intelligent enough to know, I think, and aware enough of my own personality that I’ve got the capability to achieve here.
“And I think if other people have done it then it’s possible for me to do it.
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“And I think that’s quite a good way to think about the challenge.”
Potter is looking forward to his first Premier League game in charge and will be keen to pick up his first three points as head coach as soon as possible.
To Chelsea TV, he added: “Selhurst Park is always a challenge. Patrick has done a fantastic job. The team is a strong team with organised collective, strong individuals, so we know that.
“We are looking forward to it, the boys are ready. We have huge respect for the challenge that awaits us.”
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Topics: Graham Potter, Chelsea
Matthew Debono