Chelsea boss Graham Potter has lauded Nottingham Forest for the job they did on his side during Sunday’s draw. The Reds fought back from a half-time deficit to claim a deserved point against the Blues.
Fans must have been fearing the worst in the first half. Raheem Sterling fired Chelsea into the lead but Forest rolled up their sleeves and were unfortunate not to win the game in the end.
Steve Cooper and Potter are widely regarded as two managers who could go a long way. In an entertaining game at the weekend, it’s fair to say that the Forest boss was happier.
Potter hasn’t been at Chelsea too long. He’s trying desperately to get his feet under the table and start picking up positive results but he felt his team really suffered on Sunday.
He told West London Sport: “You have to credit the opponent – in both halves. In the first half, they defended deeper and attacked big spaces. In the second half, when it became a bit more uncontrolled, we suffered as well. They played a good version of themselves.
“They played better and more positively in terms of getting more men forward. Here they are dangerous and they make teams suffer.”
Forest lauded by Potter and he deserves credit
Jurgen Klopp would be wise to take a page from Potter’s book. When the Reds defeated Liverpool, he reeled off countless excuses and pretty much refused to give Forest any credit.
Potter is a good bloke. He epitomises how managers should behave after below-par performances and he looks destined for a superb career as a manager in the Premier League.
He’s right too. Forest absolutely deserved to get a point on Sunday. To be totally honest, the Reds can feel aggrieved that they didn’t win given how many chances they created in the second half.
Forest will need to rely on their home form to stay in the Premier League. If they continue to make the City Ground a fortress and pick up what they can away, the Reds will feel they can steer clear of relegation.
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