Potter vows Chelsea ‘will get better’ after Salzburg stalemate

After being held to a 1-1 draw by Salzburg in his first game as manager, Graham Potter promised Chelsea would “get better” once minor details were ironed out.

Chelsea took the lead in Wednesday’s Champions League match with a 48th-minute strike from Raheem Sterling, their first attempt on goal.

However, the Blues were unable to build on that lead and were pegged back 15 minutes from time when Noah Okafor capitalized on a mistake by Thiago Silva to equalize for Salzburg.

Potter’s team finished the game at Stamford Bridge with 72% possession and 17 shots, but only four were on target.

While pleased with his players’ efforts, Potter, who was appointed as Thomas Tuchel’s successor six days ago, admitted there is room for improvement.

“We are disappointed with the outcome. “I thought the boys gave it their all,” he told BT Sport.

“We scored a good goal but fell behind a little in the second half.” Their goalkeeper has made some impressive saves. It is what it is, and we must dust ourselves off.

“Personality and application were good; we will improve.” We put Raheem in one-on-one situations frequently, and the goal was a good result.

“It’s always aggravating to concede a goal. Overall, the defensive performance was quite good; it’s just the small details that need to be improved.

“The boys have had a difficult time. They’ve responded really well to us in the last few days, and it’s a point we’ll have to take and improve on.

“Aside from the fact that we did not take three points, the attitude has been fantastic.”

Chelsea were defeated 1-0 by Dinamo Zagreb in Tuchel’s final game as manager, and they now sit at the bottom of Group E ahead of a double header with pacesetters Milan.

Chelsea has failed to win either of their first two Champions League games for the first time since the 1999-2000 season, leaving them with work to do.

“It’s not the position we want to be in, but we have to respond, it’s that simple,” Potter said after the game.

“It’s a tough group, but there’s enough talent on the team, and we need to respond to those two games.”

“As staff and players, we are at the start of a process.” I’m excited to get to work and make this team competitive and one that supporters can be proud of.”

Following his impressive curled finish, Sterling has now been directly involved in 250 club goals (158 goals, 92 assists).

In Potter’s hybrid 3-5-2 formation, the England international was deployed as a left-sided wing-back, with Reece James on the right.

Potter explained his formation choice: “It was a back three with Reece and Raheem providing width.”

“It’s difficult to play through the middle against their defense, so Reece and Raheem provided us with width.” Mason [Mount] and I both thought we put them in good situations.

“You don’t want Raheem defending in his box all the time, and I don’t believe he did.” Marc Cucurella handled the situation well, in my opinion.”