Graham Potter responds to Chelsea boos after Southampton loss

Graham Potter said the booing from Chelsea fans was “understandable” following the club’s 1-0 defeat to Southampton on Saturday at Stamford Bridge.

Potter was in desperate need of a good result against the club fighting relegation having led his side to just one win in the first nine matches of 2023.

It didn’t come though, with a free-kick from James Ward-Prowse just before half-time proving to be the only goal of the game.

The manager and his players were booed off the pitch by the Stamford Bridge faithful at full-time, and speaking after the match, Potter said he understands their anger.

“After a 1-0 defeat at home, any criticism you get is understandable,” he said. “We’ve had a tough period and are integrating young players into the Premier League. When results don’t go your way it’s tough.

“I’m not arrogant enough to say that their opinion isn’t worth articulating. My job is to help the team and work through a team period.

“The truth is we took a step back with our performance in the first half. Our response in the second half was good, but it wasn’t enough.”

Potter took a long time to appear in front of the press after the match but said the delay was nothing to read into.

“There is no conspiracy, I can’t give you that,” he added. “There is a lot of media and I believe my colleague [Southampton interim manager Ruben Selles] has done the media before me.”