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Adam Newson

Every word Graham Potter said on Chelsea expectations, Fofana, Kovacic, Felix, Aubameyang, more

What is your response to the alleged breaches of Financial Fair Play?

"I didn't really have too many thoughts, to be honest. It's something I can't really comment on as I don't know anything about it. it's something Manchester City have to deal with. We just focus on ourselves."

Does it act as a reminder for clubs in the Premier League about how they conduct their business moving forward?

"As I understand it they are just charges and in this country you're innocent until you're proven guilty. So it's not for me to comment on."

Is it good the Premier League are clamping down to ensure the league is treated in a fair and proper way?

"In any competition you need to make sure everybody is abiding by the rules."

READ MORE: Graham Potter must unleash Chelsea star with magic in his boots and a point to prove vs West Ham

How is Marc Cucurella at the moment, you mentioned previously he was dealing with off-field issues?

"They are humans with private lives and things going on. Marc is not the only one. At the same time, you understand supporters pay their money and the most important thing is what happens on that pitch over 90 minutes. But nevertheless, players have to deal with stuff.

"Marc is fine, he's going about his work. He knows he is probably not in the best moment of form but he isn't the only player who has to come through a moment. He is a player the club invested money in during the summer and it is our job to help him, support him, and bring him to the place where he is showing everyone his qualities."

There was a tweet liked by Todd Boehly on Twitter yesterday that stated Marc Cucurella wasn't good enough to play for the club, is that difficult for a player?

"I don't know. I can't comment. It isn't a reflection of Todd in any way. I don't know how social media works and everybody here is really supportive of Marc and we're trying to help him get back to his level and enjoy his football. If a player is enjoying his football, the chance is he is going to play well."

Is there any truth to the reports that Pierre-Emerick Aubayemang could be leaving on loan?

"No, nothing to report. He has been training with us this week, training really well. He is conducting himself well, a really good professional, and supporting his teammates. While he is here, he is doing exactly what I expect him to do, which is to train well and act well."

What's the latest team news?

"Players are getting closer and closer. Wesley [Fofana] has been training with the team, Denis Zakaria has been training with the team. We've had a little setback with Raheem [Sterling] he had a little kick in training on the side of his knee, so we're assessing him and he is doubtful for tomorrow. Mateo [Kovacic] has trained with the team but it's too soon for him. But we've got some options."

How big a boost is it having Joao Felix back?

"It's great and we all saw the impact he had in his 60 minutes before the red card [away to Fulham]. You can see his quality, see it every day. He is a player who can make a difference for us but we have to help him get integrated into the team, for him to understand what we're trying to do. But the signs are very positive."

With Benoit Badiashile not able to play in the Champions League next week, do you feel you need to test your defence for Dortmund on Wednesday?

"The most important thing is we focus on West Ham, that is the best way to prepare for any future game. We're really happy with Benoit and he is in our thoughts of West Ham. Then we have to make another decision for Wednesday."

Chelsea haven't won away from home in October, how concerning is that statistic?

"It's not a statistic we like, that is for sure. Going away from home in the Premier League is not straightforward and the problems we've been having in terms of injuries haven't made it easy. But it's something we're trying to address. We have to start with West Ham; I've been there with Brighton and had a decent record.

"But it's a different context, a London derby with no love lost between the two teams. It will be a good atmosphere to test ourselves in and to try to get the three points."

Chelsea's away form hasn’t been great this season but you won with Brighton at West Ham, does it give you heart?

"Well as I said previously, it’s a totally different context, a different occasion. I think West Ham-Chelsea brings a different edge to it being a London derby and the relationship between the two clubs, the fans etc. It’s a totally different situation. But it was nice to win there and hopefully, we can do it again."

You mentioned about Joao integrating into the squad, how much do you need the squad to integrate quickly?

"Well if you listen to you guys, yes. And obviously ultimately I’m going to say yes. I’m not going to say they need to integrate slowly."

How much patience can you give the new signings?

"How much patience am I able to give them? Well it’s my job. When you’re coaching players and human beings there is a process that you go through, you have to work, be patient and understand the context, the situation. There will be lots of talk around pressure and time. If I’d had a month of time for every time I’ve been asked that question, I’d be here for about 10 years. It’s just the nature of it. That’s how it is.

The perception of a Chelsea manager is you have to be successful, win trophies, and get into Europe? There is a finite amount of time then?

"Of course. I’m not stupid. At the end of the day if results aren’t what this club should get then I understand and if I’m the reason for it, then that’s the job. In the meantime, I will go through the process of working with players, helping them improve, come together.

"It’s a complicated situation at the moment but I’m really excited for it. I have to be honest. I’m really looking forward to it, really looking forward to the challenge that awaits us. But again, I don't worry too much about the absolute timescale of it all.

You described the initial European Super League plans as ‘sad, disturbing and frustrating’, what do you think of the new plans that have been released?

"My position hasn’t changed. It’s the Premier League, Champions League, wherever you are you get there on sporting merit. That’s my position still."

Does your position have to change if you're a manager of a club that could be involved in it?

"It’s hard to answer a hypothetical question, but no. My position is my position and that’s it."

You said London derbies are unpredictable, is that useful for you? A little bit of chaos may give you an advantage against West Ham?

"I’m not sure. Whenever I watch West Ham and certainly historically they’re always tough games. David Moyes’s sides are always competitive and organised. Everyone knows what they’re doing, they have some really good players, they attack the spaces well, defend in numbers and defend well, set pieces are strong.

"So for us, it’s about understanding the environment, understanding the fact it’s a London derby and match whatever intensity is coming at us with our own, start the game well and try to take the three points."

Do you recognise the difficulties David Moyes has had?

"I have no sympathies for him, no. That’s a joke."

You were pictured this week having lunch with the owners and Emma Hayes. How has your relationship changed as the club have invested?

"I think the expectations have always stayed the same, we want to develop a team that ultimately wins. We know there are opportunities to make changes to the team in the windows when they’re open. That hasn’t changed.

"My relationship with them has stayed consistent with them in that there has been regular dialogue and conversation. We understand where we both are in terms of where we see the overall picture, where we see the team. We are working together really well to try to keep improving."

READ NEXT:

Every word Graham Potter said on Chelsea expectations, Fofana, Kovacic, Felix, Aubameyang, more

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