Chelsea boss Graham Potter will pit his wits against Pep Guardiola and Manchester on Thursday – and given that the two already have history, there could be sparks on the touchline at Stamford Bridge
Graham Potter will come face to face with Pep Guardiola when Chelsea host Manchester City on Thursday – and there is plenty of history between both sides and their managers.
Potter was in charge at Brighton when the Seagulls fought back from 2-0 down to secure a famous win over the Premier League champions, who had played the majority of the match with 10 men, back in May 2021.
However, the result was marred by some unsavoury scenes on the touchline as Potter and Guardiola became embroiled in a spat after the final whistle, with the latter visibly unhappy as he walked off down the tunnel.
Potter later admitted that it “wasn’t my finest hour” when he was quizzed on the celebrations that irked Guardiola.
“The first goal I was a bit emotional. It wasn’t my finest hour, I have to apologise,” he explained. “It was not meant with any intent, it was an emotional response and wasn’t a good one. I apologise, no offence meant but I admit it wasn’t a nice moment.”
Since that result, Potter was prised away from the south coast by Chelsea and there appeared to be no ill feelings between the pair when met on the touchline back in November.
Pep Guardiola and Graham Potter clashed after Brighton beat Man City back in 2021
Potter has also apologised on more one than occasion for his antics; however, matches between Chelsea and Manchester City always have the potential to cause drama, given that there is often so much at stake when they meet.
While City are still in the frame as they bid to retain their domestic crown, Chelsea are a team in transition after dispensing with Thomas Tuchel. Potter has endured some indifferent results since taking over and a title tilt looks unlikely given the Blues are currently in 10th spot, 19 points behind leaders Arsenal.
The Chelsea chief has only been at the helm for 15 games but is already under pressure and fans were less than impressed with Sunday’s 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest.
Potter and Guardiola have buried the hatchet since ( Image: Clive Brunskill/Getty)
Intriguingly, Guardiola has always lauded Potter’s ability and was amongst the first to back him to thrive at Stamford Bridge – and Potter revealed that the City boss spoke with him about the pressures of managing at elite clubs after his side beat Chelsea in the Carabao Cup back in November.
“He understands the challenges we have here and he is facing similar ones himself,” Potter said. “It was just a conversation after a game that you have.
“I spoke with Steve [Cooper] after the game [against Nottingham Forest] and it was a similar conversation. It’s nice the managers can speak because it’s complicated when you’re on the touchline, there are emotions and we’re fighting for the points. But after it is nice to speak and talk about the game.”
Src: Mirror.co.uk
