Graham Potter gave a hint as to his attacking thinking and said his Chelsea side “gave everything” in the 1-1 draw with Red Bull Salzburg at Stamford Bridge.
Potter was in the dug-out for the first time since replacing Thomas Tuchel. And the Chelsea fans made their feelings known to the new American owners with a minute of signing and applause for the German in the 21st minute.
The timing of the tribute was chosen due to Tuchel guiding the Blues to Champions League glory in 2021.
Chelsea dominated first-half possession but were unable to make a breakthrough before the interval. But just three minutes after the restart Potter’s men were ahead when Raheem Sterling curled in Mason Mount’s low cross from edge of the box.
Potter though was denied a win in his first game when Salzburg levelled on 75 minutes. Noah Okafor got ahead of Cesar Azpilicueta after some poor defending from Thiago Silva to flick the ball past Kepa Arrizabalaga.
The result leaves Potter bottom of Group E and with an uphill task to reach the knockout stages. And a game with AC Milan up next.
Potter, speaking to BT Sport, said: “We’re disappointed with the result. I thought the boys gave everything. We scored a good goal, but lost a bit in the second half but their goalkeeper has made some good saves.
“It is what it is, we have to dust ourselves down. Personality and application was good, we will get better.”
Potter’s Sterling plan
The former Brighton boss then gave a hint as to what Chelsea’s pre-match attacking plan was when he referenced Sterling.
“We got Raheem in one-on-one situations quite often and the goal was a good result of that,” added Potter.
“It’s always irritating when you concede a goal. Overall the defensive performance was quite good, it’s just the little details we will have to improve.
“It has not been easy for the boys, they have responded to us really well over the last few days and it’s a point we will have to take and get better.
“The attitude has been fantastic, no complaints apart from the fact we have not taken three points.”
