Chris Sutton has criticised Graham Potter for the message he sent out to Chelsea fans in his recent programme notes.
Speaking on the BBC Monday Night Club, Sutton suggested the Stamford Bridge supporters would’ve shaken their fists in frustration at the manager’s latest written admission.
Potter is given the chance to speak to the club’s followers at every home fixture via the medium of the match programme.
He can address on and off field matters, whilst also assessing the opponents and any other issues he wants to address.
However, the coach’s letter at the last outing at the Bridge seriously did not sit well with Sutton.
“What worries me about Graham Potter, more than anything else, is the langue he uses. I did the game (versus Manchester City) on Thursday night, and in his programme notes he was talking about Nottingham Forest,” said the former Chelsea striker.
“Forest are a team in the relegation battle, and one of his lines was: ‘You must consider the opponent’, Nottingham Forest, in terms of giving them praise.
“Chelsea fans, they are going to be reading that and tearing their hair out. I can’t imagine another Chelsea manager using language like that.”
Graham Potter is the mild-mannered Chelsea manager
It was certainly a soft approach from Potter, in keeping with his humble and honest manner.
The 47-year-old will never play mind games like Jose Mourinho, or rush up and down the touchline like Thomas Tuchel or Antonio Conte.
His character is calm and collected, with very little in the way of causing a stir or controversy.
Whilst these are not bad traits to have in the slightest, in the realm of football, often the nice guys don’t get too far.
Managers especially need a ruthless streak to survive.
All of the most successful men in the dugout have demonstrated a dark side to their demeaner.
Perhaps Potter needs to find his devil to ensure he is not sacked by Chelsea.
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