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Premier League | Gameweek 23
Feb 11, 2023 at 12.30pm UK
London Stadium
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Chelsea head coach Graham Potter passionately defends reaction to West Ham United penalty controversy

Potter passionately defends reaction to West Ham penalty controversy
© Reuters
Chelsea head coach Graham Potter passionately defends himself against the suggestion that he does not show enough aggression on the touchline or in the media.

Chelsea head coach Graham Potter has defended himself against suggestions that he does not show enough passion on the touchline or in the media.

On Saturday afternoon, Chelsea recorded a 1-1 draw with London rivals West Ham United, but the Blues should have arguably been awarded a penalty during the closing stages of the fixture.

When quizzed on the controversial decision after the match, Potter labelled Tomas Soucek's handball as "a great save" before preferring to talk about the performance of his side.

That led to criticism from the media and former players that Potter should have made a point of becoming angrier with the decision made by the on-field referee and VAR.

West Ham United midfielder Tomas Soucek saving Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher's shot on February 11, 2023.© Reuters

Potter has consistently remained polite with reporters at press conferences since his arrival in September, but he was unhappy with a question put to him at the media briefing ahead of the first leg of Chelsea's Champions League last-16 tie at Borussia Dortmund.

The Englishman was asked 'if anything made him angry?', initially offering a sarcastic response of "aside from these questions?", before he gave a passionate defence of how he has conducted himself at Stamford Bridge.

Speaking to reporters, Potter said: 'I'm careful not to get into discussion through the media. Of course I get angry. I'm a human being, just like you. It's just that I choose to conduct myself in a way which I feel is the best way to conduct myself on the side.

"I think the same media are talking about me being more angry and then running stories about referees at grassroots football. I don't see the connection.

Chelsea head coach Graham Potter during defeat to Arsenal on November 6, 2022.© Reuters

"That's not to say that we don't all lose our temper, because we do. Because it's an emotional thing. But at the same time, I think that I have a responsibility to myself, to Chelsea, and the game to act in a way which I think is the right thing for me. Not for anyone else, but for me.

"If you think that you can start a coaching career in the ninth tier of English football in the Northern Counties League - not the Prem, Division One - and get to this point now, with Chelsea in the Champions League without getting angry or being nice, then I would suggest that you don't know anything about anything."

There has also been ongoing criticism regarding Potter's record at Chelsea, a return of nine wins and seven defeats from his 23 matches in all competitions.

Nevertheless, despite the club sitting in 10th position in the Premier League standings, the club's board are said to be unanimously behind the 47-year-old.

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Chelsea head coach Graham Potter during defeat to Arsenal on November 6, 2022.
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