Graham Potter was left disappointed after Chelsea were held to a 1-1 draw by FC Salzburg in the Champions League at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday evening.
It was almost the perfect start to Graham Potter’s tenure at Chelsea after Raheem Sterling put the hosts ahead three minutes into the second half with a curling effort into the bottom corner.
But Chelsea were punished 15 minutes from time as Noah Okafor got ahead of Cesar Azpilicueta in the box and slotted underneath Kepa Arrizabalaga to level the score.
Advert
Despite chances late on, Chelsea had to settle for a point in west London, leaving them at the bottom of Group E with work to do.
They now have a double header against AC Milan next month, starting with a home clash against the Rossoneri before taking the trip to Italy to the San Siro.
Wednesday was Potter’s first game in charge after working with his new players for several days, but unfortunately he couldn’t guide his side to victory on a night where they really needed one in the Champions League.
Nevertheless, the 47-year-old was proud of his side’s application but knows they have work to do to improve on the little details after the defensive error late on which cost them all three points.
Advert
He told BT Sport post-match: “We are disappointed with the result, the boys gave everything. Attacked quite well, missed a bit in the final bit in the first half. Scored a good goal.
"Overall, disappointed, it wasn’t quite to be today.
“A little moment for the goal, apart from that we responded well. It is what it is, we have to dust ourselves down. We will get better.
“It’s always irritating when you concede. Overall, the defensive performance was quite good. The little details we have to improve.
Advert
"First game, it’s not been easy for the boys, they’ve responded well to us.
"It’s not the result we wanted, it’s a point we have to take it. We will get better.”
Potter added on Chelsea being bottom of Group E without a win: "It's not the position we want to be in but we have to respond, it's as simple as that.
Advert
"It's a tough group but there's enough quality in the squad and we have to respond to those two games.
"We know we have to win and be competitive. We are at the start of a process together as staff and players.
"I can only comment on the response we had and I am looking forward to working and make this team competitive and one supporters are proud of."
Topics: Graham Potter, Chelsea, Red Bull Salzburg, Champions League, Football
Matthew Debono