PEP Guardiola has appealed to Chelsea owner Todd Boehly not to sack Graham Potter, although the club have struggled under the Englishman.
Manchester City, under Guardiola’s guidance, defeated Chelsea 4-0 in a third round FA Cup clash last night to put more pressure on the under-fire Potter.
But the Spaniard insists that with time the former Brighton boss will improve results at Chelsea, after a run of just one win in their last seven matches.
“Yes, he is right,” Guardiola said about Potter’s last press conference asking for time to change his side’s fortunes.
“I would say to Todd Boehly, it was a pleasure to meet him, but give him time. I know results are important in big clubs but I would say give him time.
“I think the second half today is what he is and what he did in Brighton was outstanding. All the managers need time and he was right. We need time in the first season.”
Guardiola, who has now led City to three straight wins over Chelsea in different competitions this season, cited his own example while making a case for Potter.
“I had results in Barcelona in the first season but we had Lionel Messi so one season was enough,” he added.
“But yes, everyone is an idiot [in football management]. To play against Man City at the level we are at in the Carabao Cup or FA Cup is not easy. Not for Graham, Chelsea or any team.”
Potter himself admitted that his side were unlucky to come up against the Premier League champions at this time.
“This is probably the worst opponent you can play when things aren’t going well because they can make it look like you are not trying,” he said in his post-match interview.
“I don’t get a sense of poor attitude and I think there’s support in the dressing room.”
