Graham Potter addressed the media ahead of Chelsea's Premier League clash with Newcastle United on Saturday evening.
Chelsea play their final game before the World Cup break and they head to St. James’ Park to face Eddie Howe’s Magpies.
Potter’s side are looking to bounce back from back-to-back defeats against Arsenal and Manchester City, which has seen Chelsea not win any of their four previous league matches (D2, L2).
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Chelsea are currently sitting in seventh, while Newcastle are in third place having not lost in the league since August (P9, W6, D3, L0) when they were defeated by Liverpool.
It’s going to be a tough ask for Chelsea on Saturday, they will need to ensure they are ruthless in front of goal to have any chance of getting something out of the game.
Here's what the Chelsea head coach had to say on Friday afternoon in his pre-match press conference:
Conor Gallagher making World Cup squad
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“It's nice for Conor, fantastic for us. He's going to have a positive experience I think. He's worked really hard and is a fantastic person. It's a fantastic honour for him and everyone is really pleased.
"It's a nice story, he's come through the club and been out on loan.”
Reece James and Ben Chilwell not making World Cup squad
"Reece thought he would be close (to make the World Cup), did everything he could. In the end, fell a bit short. I can understand the decision and Reece's frustration and disappointment.
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It's normal (they are a bit down). The World Cup doesn't come around very often but they are strong characters and will be fine."
Kepa Arrizabalaga making Spain squad if he was fit
"I have no idea. He's not training, so it's not possible now."
Plans during World Cup
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"Have a bit of a break, then reconvene for a warm weather camp and a couple of games to prepare for the restart.
"I wouldn't say I'm looking forward to it. We have to use it for what it is. We have a game tomorrow, whatever happens then, then you have to take stock. We have to take that time to reflect and come back in a stronger way.
"You need a bit of time to reflect, if there is, and there is because of the break. It would be stupid for me not to do that."
Ending on a win going into World Cup break
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"That's what we'll try to do. We know Newcastle will want to do as well. It will be a tough match, but we will try our best."
Eddie Howe and Newcastle
"I have huge admiration for him. He's galvanised the team and the club.
"It's not one person, it's a football club. You need a good organisation, structure and to align the resources that you have."
More to come from Chelsea and needing players in January
"I think there is more to come from the team we have and the group we have. We've had some key players out: Kante, Chilwell, James, Fofana. They are key players and a couple of them are replacing key ones who left in the summer.
"I think we can do better than we have and that is where my focus is on."
Newcastle
"They've got results and got results deservedly. That builds confidence and momentum."
Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Trevoh Chalobah missing out on World Cup call-up
"Had a brief conversation, but they are both level-headed. They understand and respect the decision which isn't an easy one. That's life, they accept it."
Team news
"Jorgi trained today, so provided there's no reaction, he should be in the squad."
Talks with owners during World Cup break
"Yeah, I'm pretty sure we will. We have a regular dialogue anyway. Sometimes you need to reflect, think and analyse. Absolutely, we need to think about what's happened and what we can do to improve."
Topics: Graham Potter, Newcastle United, Chelsea, Premier League
Matthew Debono