Graham Potter: Chelsea boss hits back at critics questioning his conduct and says ‘of course I get angry’

Graham Potter hit back at those who claim he does not get angry enough and hinted at the level of double standards within the media.

Thomas Soucek handled the ball inside the box, but referee Craig Pawson waved play on and was not referred to the pitchside monitor by the VAR Neil Swarbrick.

Speaking to the media ahead of the Blues’ Champions League clash against Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday, Potter said: “I’m careful not to get into a discussion with the media 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 the way I think is the right way to conduct myself on the side.

“I think the same media talking about me being more angry then run stories about problems with referees at grassroots football. They don’t see the connection.”

The former Swansea and Brighton boss spoke about the passion and drive needed to rise through the English football pyramid, in what has been a rapid rise to the highest level.

He added: “That’s not to say we don’t all lose our temper because we do, because it’s an emotional thing. But at the same time, I think I have a responsibility to myself to Chelsea and to the game, to act in the way that I think is the right thing for me, not for anybody 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 – not the Prem, the Northern Counties Division One – and get to this point managing Chelsea in the Champions League without getting angry or being nice, then I would suggest you don’t know anything about anything.”

The west Londoners resume their Champions League campaign in the last 16 away in Dortmund on Wednesday night.

They head into the match in unconvincing form, having won only one of their last eight games in all competitions and scoring just four goals in the process.

Chelsea are without Raheem Sterling for the match, while Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will play no part in the competition this season after being omitted from the club’s European squad list.