Graham Potter has provided an honest assessment of Chelsea's form following their Premier League defeat to Newcastle United ahead of the World Cup.
The head coach saw his side make it five Premier League matches without a win as they registered their third consecutive loss in the competition against Newcastle.
It was a poor performance from the Blues as Joe Willock fired the Magpies into a second-half lead, with Nick Pope standing in the way of any comeback for Potter's side.
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Chelsea now head into the World Cup break knowing that they must improve over the next months if they are to hit the heights of last season, where they reached the Carabao Cup and FA Cup final under Thomas Tuchel.
Speaking to the press after the defeat at St James' Park, Potter has opened up on his time at Chelsea so far and discussed their miserable form.
As quoted by football.london, Potter admitted: "Sometimes you have to accept the struggles you have. It is about regrouping and starting again. It is the second half of the season and there is a long way to go.
"Credit to Newcastle who are in a good moment. This is a tough place to come. It is not nice for us. We are in a bad moment. We take the break to recharge and go again."
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When questioned about the recent run of form, which has seen his side drop outside the Champions League places and behind Newcastle, Potter gave a philosophical answer.
He continued: "It's not nice to not get results.
"I have to look at why that is and look at the situation. It hasn't been straightforward at all.
"A lot of games, a few injuries that have destablised us.
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"It's a period that's incredibly challenging. We've faced four teams in a good moment."
The head coach finalised by admitting that the World Cup break has come at a good time for Chelsea, who are without several of their stars with injuries.
"We have to see it that way," he finalised.
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"We'll have a couple of players back and we'll have time to refocus.
"A lot of learning has taken place over the last eight weeks."
The Blues will return to action after the World Cup concludes next month and look to improve their form if they are to achieve their goals this season.
Topics: Chelsea, Graham Potter, Football, Premier League, Newcastle United
Nick Emms