Graham Potter admits to receiving death threats during challenging tenure as Chelsea manager

Graham Potter has revealed he and his family have been the subject of death threats during Chelsea’s recent poor run of form.

The Blues made a bright start to life when Potter took control in September, but their form turned before the break for the World Cup and it has continued to be poor since the turn of the year.

Potter understands the pressures of the job, and that fans can be frustrated, but revealed a line was crossed when threats were made against himself and his family.

“If you go to work and somebody is swearing at you it’s not going to be pleasant,” Potter said. “If you’re referred to as the worst person in the history of the club. Everyone does care what people think. We’re hard-wired to be socially connected. I want to succeed here. There’s this nonsense I don’t care. My response would be ‘Where’s your evidence on that?’

“Not that I’d let you do it, but you can ask my family how my life has been for me and for them. It’s been not pleasant at all. I understand. Supporters go home and they’re really annoyed because the team aren’t winning but I assure you my life for the last three or four months has been fairly average, apart from the fact I’m really grateful for this experience.

“The world is tough for everybody. We’re going through an energy crisis, a cost of living crisis. People are striking every other week. Nobody wants to hear about the poor old Premier League manager.

“Nevertheless, if you ask me: ‘Is it hard, is it tough, is it nice to hear?’ – as much as I’ve had support, I’ve had some not particularly nice emails come through that want me to die and want my kids to die. That’s obviously not pleasant.”

Potter took the reins at Chelsea in September after the club made the decision to part ways with Thomas Tuchel.

The former Brighton manager inherited a club that spent heavily in the summer, and the early signs were positive as the Blues embarked on a nine-game unbeaten run in all competitions under Potter.

Results dipped before the break for the World Cup, with three defeats in a row, and things did not improve in January despite the club embarking on a huge splurge in the transfer market in the winter window.

The new faces have not arrested the slide; since the World Cup, Potter’s side have won two, drawn four and lost five in all competitions.

Despite appearing to have the backing of owner Todd Boehly, Potter seems to have lost a section of the fans and he has admitted the whole package has taken a toll.

“Pressure is a two way thing, isn’t it?” Potter said. “Four months ago, was I under pressure? I don’t know. But obviously, with the results the way they are now you accept it absolutely. It’s fascinating to see the process play itself out. I’ve sat here for four months answering questions about pressure. Do I have time? Have I spoken to the owners?

“The same every week. That’s just part of life at Chelsea. And then you have to accept the fact that when the results are like they are, you have to accept criticism. That should come and that’s fair.

“The mood in here has always been relatively positive and respectful. But that’s not to say it’s easy at all. Your family life suffers, your mental health suffers, your personality … it’s hard. But you’re not really bothered, eh? It’s just how it is.”

Potter feels part of the problem this season can be attributed to the club’s pre-season under Tuchel.

“My quote a few weeks ago was that this is probably the toughest job in football, and there are a lot of factors for that,” Potter said.

“There was a sub-optimal pre-season – and speaking to a few of the experienced guys, they thought it was the worst pre-season they’ve had for different reasons. That isn’t to blame anybody for the reasons. It’s just that it happened.”

It looks a tall order for Chelsea to reach the top four in the Premier League, they are sat in 10th – 11 points shy of Tottenham and they face Spurs on Sunday.

Chelsea lost at home to struggling Southampton at Stamford Bridge last week, and Potter can understand fans’ frustrations.

“Supporters, rightly so, are upset because we lost at home to Southampton,” he said. “Supporters care and when they are upset, they let their feelings be known and we expect that.

“I’ve had a lot of support from the supporters as well, and while everyone would agree we’re not happy with the current situation and position, there are a lot of people who recognise where we’re at, what’s happened, and what the challenges have been for us. The solution is that we have to win matches.

“If you are Chelsea and lose 1-0 at home to Southampton, who are bottom of the league, then you expect fans to voice their criticism. Then it’s about how we analyse the situation we’re in now. Results haven’t been good enough, defeat at home to Southampton isn’t good enough, and you’re entitled to be angry. My response is there are contributing factors to that result as well.”