Graham Potter calls for patience on his new Chelsea players

• Chelsea played a goalless draw with Fulham in the Premier League on Friday night
• The Blues played five out of their nine January transfer signings in the match
• Chelsea boss Graham Potter has called for patience with his new players

After Friday’s goalless derby draw with Fulham, Graham Potter pleaded for patience and cautioned that it would not be “straightforward” to for a new-look Chelsea team to gel.

On a dismal night for the Blues, Enzo Fernandez began at Stamford Bridge three days after joining from Benfica for a Premier League-record £106.8 million (€121 million). Fellow newcomer Noni Madueke came on at halftime and substituted Stamford Bridge debutant Mykhaylo Mudryk.

In the first half, David Datro Fofana, another of the many new Chelsea players, had a shot blocked by Tim Ream, while Kai Havertz struck the post.

The point Fulham earned maintains them ahead of their sixth-place neighbours, who are currently in ninth place.

Due to the influx of so many new players, Chelsea was fragmented and naturally lacked flow. According to head coach Potter, they will need time to develop a working relationship.

Enzo Fernandez had a great start to his Chelsea career despite not winning in the match against Fulham. | PHOTO: MARCA |

“There was a lot of energy and positivity from the start, a good mood,” he told BBC Sport. The players’ attitude was excellent. Against a well-coordinated team, they gave their all for each other.

“They’ve been together a while. We’re a different stage of that – players coming back from injury and new players. We needed time to settle everything down. We were missing the connection, fluidity and confidence that comes from knowing each other.

“The decision we took in the window, you can see the profile in terms of age. We feel we have a very strong group of players. We have to gel and become a really good team. That’s where the work is.

“It’s working together. When players have been injured, they have not been on the training pitch. We have new players with us. It’s about getting ideas across and working with the group.

“Sometimes you have to look at the whole package. Young players, nice mix of them both. For us, it’s about improving.

“New players are adapting to a new country and a new league. It’s not straightforward. When the price tag is what it is, questions will be asked, it’s the nature of the business.”

Reece James and Ben Chilwell’s recovery from injuries was a significant bonus for Chelsea, and according to Potter, winger Mudryk was taken off the field this week after having a cold.