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A defining night for Graham Potter at Chelsea

Chelsea manager Graham Potter

Upon joining Chelsea, Graham Potter revealed he had not even attended a Champions League game before let alone manage in one.

Now, Potter is embarking on a night which could define his time as head coach of the Blues, the biggest match in his Chelsea career and one that will likely shape his short-term future at the club.

Borussia Dortmund take a 1-0 lead to Stamford Bridge, knowing that avoiding defeat in west London will be enough to secure their place in the last eight.

Chelsea need to score twice in order to overturn their first-leg disadvantage, something they have failed to do so far in 2023.

Failure to progress tonight will leave Potter in a precarious position and will end Chelsea’s hopes of any silverware this season.

The Blues will be boosted by Saturday’s slender victory over Leeds, their first three points in the Premier League in nearly two months.

And while Potter has claimed spirits remain high in the camp despite a difficult run, the view from the terraces couldn’t have been more different in recent weeks with fans voicing their displeasure at his management.

Chelsea were once again booed off at half-time against Leeds, before Wesley Fofana’s header secured the win and Potter can ill-afford to lose the support of the fans tonight.

At yesterday’s press conference, hidden beneath the calm exterior was the feeling that Potter knows this is a defining moment; a chance to prove that he belongs at this level and an opportunity to win over the supporters.

Dramatic second leg fightbacks have been seen before at Stamford Bridge but those belong to a different age, and it’s time for Potter to write a new history.

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