Potter prepared to risk ‘looking an idiot’ by making changes

Graham Potter says he is prepared to “look an idiot” if it means progress can be made by trying new things on the pitch.

Potter came in for criticism over the way he chose to set up his side in last week’s 4-1 hammering at his former club Brighton, which included playing Raheem Sterling and Christian Pulisic as wing-backs.

The Chelsea boss has chosen to make changes from game to game since taking over as head coach, while also changing systems and opting to use players outside of their usual favoured positions.

But Potter says trying new things is important if Chelsea are to move forward, though accepts criticism will come his way when those decisions do not come off.

“What you always have to remember is when you’re trying to do something, when you’re trying to do something new, there’s a chance that it goes wrong,” he said.

“You’ve always got to be prepared for that. It sounds a bit strange, because you should come across as this all knowing person with all the answers.

“But the reality of making progress and the reality of doing something different and new is you have to prepare to look an idiot.

“If it goes wrong, you’re open for criticism. But the flip side to it is if you don’t do anything and you just do the same stuff, nothing changes, and it’s that balance.

“I think you have to have the courage to do that and accept the consequences when it doesn’t go your way.”