Graham Potter has admitted that Chelsea’s Champions League clash against Borussia Dortmund will be a ‘big challenge’, but one that they are ‘excited’ for.
Chelsea host Dortmund on Tuesday night having been beaten 1-0 at the Westfalenstadion three weeks ago, a second-half strike from Karim Adeyemi the difference.
Ahead of the second leg in West London, Graham Potter was full of praise for Chelsea’s opponents, but said his players are looking forward to the ‘challenge’.
“It’s a big game, an exciting game, a chance to go through to the last eight of the Champions League,” he said at his pre-match press conference. “It will be a special night at Stamford Bridge, so we’re really looking forward to that.
“All our thoughts are on being positive, winning the game, and going through. In terms of what we learned from the previous game [against Dortmund] they are a top opponent.
“You can see from their results in the Bundesliga, they are in a fantastic vein of form, winning games constantly. That tells you as a team they are doing a lot well. Attack and defend, good individuals, well coached. So it’s a big challenge for us but we’re excited for it.”
The former Brighton boss has come under increasing pressure after winning just six of his 19 games in charge of Chelsea. They did however manage to bag themselves a 1-0 win over Leeds at the weekend, and Potter was asked if another win would change the story surrounding him and the club.
“To be honest, I’m not thinking about it in that way,” he insisted. “I’m thinking about how important it is for the team and club.
“It’s a chance to get into the last eight of the Champions League but we’re playing against a top opponent in a really good vein of form. So it’s a huge challenge but at the same time, what an opportunity.
“Stamford Bridge will be rocking I’m sure and we will give it everything to win the game and go through.”
One of Chelsea’s biggest issues under Potter has been their inability to score goals, their winner against Leeds just their seventh goal in 13 games.
Chelsea know they will need to score at least twice on the night in order to progress to the last eight – something they haven’t managed since December – and the 47-year-old admitted it will not ‘be easy’.
“We have to play well, be positive. It’s a special occasion for us in front of our supporters, to try to get into the last eight of the Champions League.
“We’ve had some games where we could’ve scored more than one, that’s for sure, and we need that performance tomorrow night. It’s that simple. We’re playing against a top team in a good place so it’s not going to be easy. But the boys are in a good place. They are confident, motivated, together and we want to take the challenge on and give is our best.”
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