Graham Potter preparing for ‘awkward’ UCL conversations with new Chelsea stars, welcomes Enzo Fernandez signing

Chelsea manager Graham Potter has admitted he expects to have some “awkward” conversations with his players about possible exclusions from their Champions League squad.

The Blues embarked on a record-breaking spending spree in the January transfer window, signing eight players to bolster their squad ahead of the final months of the campaign.

Enzo Fernandez, Mykhailo Mudryk, Benoit Badiashile, David Datro Fofana, Noni Madueke, Andrey Santos and Malo Gusto (loaned back to Lyon) all joined the club on permanent deals while Joao Felix arrived on loan.

However, UEFA rules state that only three of these players can be added to their squad for their European fixtures, with the deadline for submission at midnight on Thursday.

“There’s going to be a few awkward questions,” Potter admitted in his pre-match press conference ahead of the Blues’ Premier League clash with rivals Fulham.

“That’s the reality of where we are. A few awkward conversations because only 11 can play.

“Only a certain amount can be in squads, so there are always going to be ones who are going to be disappointed and it’s about being as honest and open and respectful and transparent as you can and again create an environment where you respect the fact that people want to play.

“You respect the fact that players want to compete and help the team, but they have to be patient, make sure they’re ready to perform and help us win.”

Chelsea face Borussia Dortmund over two legs in the round of 16 with the first leg at Signal Iduna Park on February 15 and the return match at Stamford Bridge on March 7.

One of the new acquisitions in contention for inclusion in the Champions League squad is the £107m Premier League record signing Enzo Fernandez.

Potter expressed his delight that the club were able to secure the Argentine World Cup winner, who could make his debut in the Fulham match on Friday evening.

“We’re very pleased to have Enzo with us,” Potter said.

“We’ll see whether he can be involved tomorrow, we’ve got to get through the paperwork and make sure he gets the relevant clearance and all of that stuff.

“I’ve spoken with him today. My Spanish isn’t the best and his English isn’t great, so we needed to lean on the translator but we’ll get there.

“He is an impressive young man and we’re looking forward to working with him.”

Fernandez’s signing was finally confirmed after lengthy negotiations between Chelsea and the player’s former club Benfica with the club’s reaching an eleventh-hour agreement before the window shut on January 31.

Potter admitted he wasn’t part of these talks.

“I’m the head coach so I don’t get too involved in the nitty gritty of deadline day,” Potter added.

“I am just totally focused on the next day’s training and preparing the team for Fulham.

“I’ve been involved too long to know that there are some things you can’t control and I couldn’t do anything at that point to change things.

“I found out that we’d signed Enzo when it was all done and I’m very pleased, because he is a fantastic player.”