Tuesday was genuinely one of the best days of this Chelsea season. The players were incredible, Graham Potter set the team up for victory, and Stamford Bridge was rocking from the opening whistle. And while it was a strenuous, and admittedly fortunate, win, it was exactly what the squad and supporters needed at this moment. The calls for Potter’s sacking have quieted, which will hopefully allow the English tactician to formulate his gameplan with the confidence that comes from having the backing of everyone affiliated with the club. I’m glad that the Blues likely won’t be changing managers again in 2022/23 and I think a full preseason will do Potter a lot of good in terms of figuring out which players need to be moved on. At least for the moment, and against the will of many fans, Todd Boehly’s patience has paid off.
Things can change rapidly in the Premier League, though, and improving after the Borussia Dortmund tie will be absolutely crucial for the remainder of the campaign. Chelsea still sits in 10th place domestically and would need a minor miracle to qualify for any of next year’s European competitions. I don’t think that’s the worst thing in the world if I’m being honest, but an elite club like the pride is always expected to be playing continental football. Potter’s tactical decision to switch to a back three seems to be doing wonders in leading his team up the table, and the gaffer’s favor with the supporters would do a complete 180 if he could secure a spot in the Europa League or even Europa Conference. I know this thinking will probably only lead to disappointment, but I’m still riding the high of advancing to the Champions League quarter-finals.