- Chelsea is set to host Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday evening in the UEFA Champions League
- The Blues head into the match a goal down in the aggregate having fallen 1-0 in Dortmund
- The Blues and their manager Graham Potter know what a win would mean for the troubled club
Graham Potter is aware that the Chelsea UEFA Champions League matchup against Borussia Dortmund could be “a memorable night” now that they have won a few games in a row.
The Blues will host the Bundesliga team at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday as they attempt to overcome a one-goal disadvantage in their last-16 match.
Chelsea enters the game coming off of a 1-0 victory over Leeds United on Saturday, giving their struggling season the much-needed boost it required. This was their first victory in seven games.
Potter is looking forward to the opportunity to back it up with success in Europe, as he has been in need of encouraging results to lessen the pressure on his position.
“I agree it’s a big game, an exciting game,” he said. “[It is] a chance to go through to the last eight of the Champions League. It’ll be a special night.
“Our thoughts are on being positive and trying to win the game. It’s a good challenge for us, a big challenge for us. We’re excited about it and looking forward to it.”
Chelsea manager Graham Potter spoke in the pre-match press conference ahead of the UEFA Champions League second leg clash with Borussia Dortmund. | PHOTO: Guardian |
Karim Adeyemi’s goal gave Dortmund the advantage in the first match, and Chelsea is ready for another physical encounter in London this week.
In addition, Potter stated that in Jorginho’s absence, Kai Havertz would serve as the team’s designated penalty taker. Potter provided mixed squad news in other instances.
“Reece [James], we’ll make a decision on tomorrow,” he added. “Christian Pulisic is in the squad, but it is too soon for N’Golo [Kante] but he’s looking good [to return soon].
“It’s a complex one because he has had a long time out. It’ll be a case of how we get him back up to speed to play Premier League or Champions League football.”
Joao Felix, a player on loan from Atletico Madrid who has had a sluggish start to his Chelsea tenure, was one player about whom Potter was questioned.
However, his boss said that the Portuguese star’s star power and potential were still sufficient, adding, “His quality is obvious. He manipulates events from an offensive stance.
“Felix has hit the bar twice and had other chances. The fact he can play in many positions is good. We’ve used him more centrally, but he can play anywhere in the attacking phase of the game.”
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