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We have no reference – Chelsea manager Graham Potter wary of manager-less Southampton

By Dakir Thanveer

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 15: manager Graham Potter of Chelsea FC during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge on January 15, 2023 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 15: manager Graham Potter of Chelsea FC during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge on January 15, 2023 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images) /
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Chelsea manager Graham Potter has explained that Southampton being without a manager will complicate things for the Blues on Saturday, February 18.

The Saints are scheduled to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League on Saturday. They go into the match on the back of a three-game losing streak in the top-flight.

Apart from the poor form, it is worth noting that Southampton are currently without a manager. First-team coach Ruben Selles has been tasked with leading the team in London following Nathan Jones’ sacking.

Potter, though, has warned his Chelsea side against taking the Hampshire-based club lightly on Saturday. The Blues boss feels their opponents being without a manager will only make things difficult for the hosts. He told a press conference [via football.london]:

"“Anything can come at you because they have a caretaker manager and a week to prepare. We have no reference, that’s the challenge. I think there’s a big challenge coming our way.”"

Like Southampton, Chelsea, who lost to Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League earlier this week, are also currently struggling for form. They have not won each of their last three Premier League games.

Selles wants vacant Southampton job

While Potter is wary of facing a manager-less Southampton, Selles is determined to stake his claim to be the Saints’ next boss. The first-team coach believes he has what it takes to take the reins at St. Mary’s permanently. He said:

"“I want to be the manager. As you asked me before, three, four months ago, I think I’m capable to do that as any other [candidate]. But, it is not my decision.”"

It now remains to be seen if the Spaniard can make a case to take charge of the club at least until the end of the season. An upset over Chelsea on Saturday would certainly increase his reputation among fans and those at St. Mary’s.

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