Graham Potter confirms Chelsea want to delay contract for wantaway ‘for obvious reasons’
Graham Potter says Chelsea have a potential Champions League clash against Bayern Munich in mind as the two clubs enter talks over a move for Anthony Barry.
Thomas Tuchel, who replaced Julian Nagelsmann as Bayern boss last week, publicly declared his interest in reuiniting with Barry, who worked under the German boss in his time at Chelsea.
Chelsea weren’t best pleased with Tuchel’s comments but it now appears the set piece coach, who has remained at Stamford Bridge under Graham Potter, will be moving to the Bundesliga giants in any case.
Graham Potter said at his press conference: “Anthony is in discussions, clubs are in discussions. He’s away from us for the moment. It’s between the clubs, it’s not something I get involved in. I have huge respect for what he;s done, here, fantastic coach, fantastic person. We have a great staff that can fill the gap. The collective can solve the problem.”
Chelsea could face Bayern Munich in the Champions League semi-finals should the pair get through against Real Madrid and Manchester City respectively.
And Potter says that possibility is being considered as the clubs thrash out a deal for Barry.
He added: “Obviously that’s something I’m pretty sure is in the conversation for obvious reasons.”
Potter has been under pressure for much of his first season as Chelsea boss, but his side were unbeaten in their last four games running into the international break.
But the time without fixtures gave the former Brighton boss time on the training field with the few that remained.
It was particularly benfeficial for N’Golo Kante, who’s been out of action for Chelsea for all but the first two games of the season.
“It’s been good for N’Golo,” Potter said when asked about the benefits of the international break. “We had a handful of players, not even, in the first week and the rest is analysing and seeing how we can improve.
“They [the international players] can deal with the demands of international and Premier League football. Everyone is keen and looking forward to seeing each other. There’s a nice spirit in the team.”
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