Chelsea boss Graham Potter has revealed he is ‘proud’ of his side despite their Champions League draw against FC Salzburg.
The Blues drew 1-1 against their Austrian opponents at Stamford Bridge, with the result seeing them still sit bottom of Group E in the competition.
Raheem Sterling opened the scoring with his fourth goal of the season just after the break, curling into the bottom corner from the edge of the area.
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However, Noah Okafor was on hand to equalise for the visitors in the 75th minute, ensuring Chelsea have picked up just one point from their opening two games in the Champions League.
Despite the result, Potter has revealed his pride over the side’s efforts during the match.
It was his first game in the dugout for Chelsea since he became head coach last week, but his next game won’t be until the start of October.
Speaking to the media after the draw via football.london, the 47-year-old said: "They gave everything. We've only got a point, and we're disappointed with that, but I was very proud of how they acted today.
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“It's not been easy for them either with the change of coach and everything that comes with that, but their response has been brilliant.
“They've acted really, really well: professional, honest, responsible.
"So from an effort perspective, it was 100% there. Quality to get there often was good against a good opponent.
“We have to credit them for how they defended and how they create chances to attack us.
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“But we managed it quite well for the period of the game, and as I said, their goalkeeper has made some good saves, and we just lacked that little bit to get the second goal."
Wednesday night was also Potter’s first ever game in the Champions League, having previously competed in the Europa League with Ostersund.
Chelsea will now have a break from club action before the start of next month, with their Premier League clash on Sunday against Liverpool being postponed due to policing for the funeral of the late Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II on Monday.
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Many of the Blues’ players are set to represent their countries in international fixtures from next week.
They will then return to west London in order to play their final run of matches before the start of the World Cup later this year.
A trip to Crystal Palace will await them, with the Blues keen to work their way up the Premier League table after a mixed start to the season.
Potter will now have time to adapt to his surroundings at the west London side as he continues his start as the new Chelsea boss.
Topics: Graham Potter, Chelsea, Red Bull Salzburg, Champions League
Robert Calcutt