Craig Burley thinks that Chelsea are now a side that pass the ball much quicker under Graham Potter.
Potter, who took charge as the Blues head coach last month, is now five games into the job at Stamford Bridge.
His arrival has coincided with four wins and one draw, so it does look like he’s got the immediate manager bounce that so often occurs at clubs.
However, the early signs are that he’s actually making a real difference with his ideas on this squad of players.
Chelsea pass quicker under Potter
ESPN pundit Burley has noticed the tactical change that has resulted in the Blues shifting possession faster under Potter than under former boss Thomas Tuchel.
“It’s only a small thing, but they are passing the ball a little bit quicker,” Burley told ESPN.
“I just felt with Chelsea under Tuchel that at times it was a little bit pedestrian and slow. It just looks a little shaper and a little quicker.”
Tuchel has cemented himself in Chelsea folklore for what he did during his time in West London, but the supporters are now really starting to buy into their new man in the dugout.
Potter has previously set up teams, albeit at a lower level, to play an eye-catching brand of football. It does feel like this Chelsea side are beginning to move towards one that play forward quickly and directly.
The mood around the Bridge is very positive now due to Potter’s impact, something which will hopefully continue a little while longer still.
He’s not putting a foot out of place right now, with the Chelsea boss even reportedly calling back some of his players from the tunnel to applaud travelling supporters at the San Siro.
However, it’s going to be interesting to see how the Englishman copes when that first big pressure is applied.
There’s still plenty of important games to play in October, including in the Premier League against Manchester United and Brighton.
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