Chelsea can continue their strong start to the season on Thursday when they host Gent in the Europa Conference League.
The Blues are sitting pretty in the Premier League after Saturday’s 4-2 win over Brighton & Hove Albion, with only Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool ahead of Enzo Maresca’s side in the table.
Potter reveals preference for managerial return
Graham Potter has revealed he’d like his return to management to come at club level rather than international level – as he continues to be linked with Manchester United.
The former Chelsea manager, who was sacked in April 2023, has also been linked with succeeding Gareth Southgate as England manager.
But speaking on Monday Night Football, Potter hinted that he is ready for a return to club management: “I’m open to anything. I had 12 years on a fantastic journey from the fourth tier of Swedish football to the last-eight of the Champions League.
“I’d really like to spend the next 12 years in the same position [of] developing players and teams, working with people trying to make a difference, that’s the aim. Wherever that is, I’m open to anything.”
FL says: Potter’s track record of developing players at Ostersunds, Swansea and Brighton certainly points to the fact that he is a very hands-on manager who does his best work when continuously working with the same group of players.
It’s for this reason that a return to club management would make sense for the Englishman. Chelsea appeared to be too big of a job for him though, so perhaps he needs some time to find his level once again somewhere more out of the spotlight despite recent links with Manchester United.
Full praise for Nicolas Jackson
Former Chelsea and England forward Shaun Wright-Phillips says he has been left surprised by Nicolas Jackson’s start to the season as he insisted the Blues’ No.15 is finally stepping up to the plate.
Jackson endured a difficult debut season at Stamford Bridge following his £32million move from Villarreal last season but has been one of the standout players of the new campaign for Maresca’s side.
Speaking of Jackson’s improvement, Wright-Phillips said: “Do you know what I love is, to be honest, Jackson. I was highly critical of him last year.
“I think, to see the difference in him this year in that final third area. He definitely has had one-on-one work with the manager and that is helping Chelsea as well because, now they aren’t just relying on Cole Palmer. He is stepping up to the plate, whether it be assists or scoring. He is in the right place and taking chances.”
FL says:It has been quite the start to the new season for Senegal international Jackson, who has scored four goals in Chelsea’s opening six games.
And if the Blues are able to keep up this free-flowing attacking football that they have displayed in the early weeks of the campaign, then there is no reason why Jackson can’t better his return of 14 Premier League goals from last season.
