Potter admits Brighton battering was 'painful'

Graham Potter’s return to Brighton & Hove Albion didn’t go exactly as planned on Saturday. Chelsea were thumped 4-1 on the south coast. The final result doesn’t exactly tell the complete story of the match either. Brighton had quite a few opportunities to further extend the impressive scoreline.

The Seagulls flew out of the gate, scoring twice inside the first 14 minutes of the match. They went into the halftime break with a 3-0 lead. Although Chelsea fought back to score just a few minutes after the start of the second half, Pascal Gross netted his club’s fourth and final goal of the day.

Home fans at the American Express Community Stadium serenaded Potter with boos and even a “sacked in the morning” song throughout the match.

Potter spent just over three seasons with Brighton. His coaching style was praised as he turned the Seagulls into a fairly formidable Premier League side. Potter’s play was rewarded with a move to Chelsea in early September following the firing of Thomas Tuchel.

After the game, the former Brighton boss spoke to BBC about the disappointing result. “Yes of course the scoreline and the defeat is a painful one,” admitted Potter. “We didn’t really recover. Once the crowd were so engaged it was a difficult one for us. The scoreline was painful. Brighton played a good game, especially in the first half.”

Potter was also asked about the boos from the home fans. “I have nothing to apologize or say sorry for,” stated Potter. “I think I did a good job at the club and left it in a good place but people are entitled to their opinions.”

The loss was Potter’s first defeat with the Blues. He was previously unbeaten in nine total games. Ironically, new Brighton coach Roberto De Zerbi recorded his first victory with his new club on the day.

Chelsea’s schedule doesn’t get any easier from here. Their next Premier League match comes against Arsenal, then they travel to Manchester City for a League Cup fixture.