Chelsea will host AC Milan at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night in the Group stage of the Champions League.
The Blues are currently last in Group C after two games with just one point. AC Milan are first the group with four points. A win for Chelsea against the Italian Champions at the Bridge will increase the team’s chances of progressing from the group.
Graham potter has admitted that AC Milan are top side and expects a challenging encounter against the Rossoneri.
What did Graham Potter say?
Previewing Chelsea opponent AC Milan at a press conference ahead of their Champions League clash, Graham Potter said: “They’re an absolutely top team.
“I’ve been really impressed. They have a clear idea of how they want to attack and how they want to defend, with different ways to score. It’s a massive challenge for us, an exciting challenge for us, and one the boys are really looking forward to.
“It’s important to win your home games, and that’s what we will try for.
“We have to play well and we have to create a good atmosphere for our supporters to get behind us. That’s our job. If you drop your level, sometimes you can get away with it, but against the very best teams, which these teams are, they can punish you. That’s what is exciting about this competition.”
The blues face familiar faces in Olivier Giroud and Fikayo Tomori. The duo was instrumental as AC Milan won the Serie A last season.
However, Graham Potter is aware of the threat Olivier Giroud possesses.
“I’ve been really impressed. There is a clear idea of how they want to attack and defend. They have different ways to score and Giroud is someone Chelsea knows very well,” Graham Potter added.
“He is a fantastic player, plays the came in a really good way, uses his qualities and strengths and is an important player for AC Milan. I’m looking forward to playing the game. They are a top team and we have to be really good to get the result we want.”
Meanwhile, Graham Potter also disclosed Jorginho and Kai Havertz’s injury concerns.
The 47-year-old said: “Eddie has trained with the team for the last few days, so is making progress. So he will be in the squad, which is great news for us because it’s important to have as much competition for places as we can. So it’s great to have him back.
“Jorgi felt a little discomfort in his abdominal area against Crystal Palace but has trained today, so we’ll see how he reacts to that and we’ll take a decision later today. Kai [Havertz] had a little feeling as well, but he trained today. Apart from that, we’re all ok. NG is training more and more. Not fully, but getting closer. That is really positive. That’s about it, I think.”
On Chelsea’s injury situation, N’Golo Kante and Edouard Mendy have returned to full training.
