The Champions draw for the quarterfinals and semifinals was held today. Chelsea was drawn against Defending Champions Real Madrid. The tie winner will face either Manchester City or Bayern Munich in the semifinals.
This is the third time in a row Chelsea will be facing Real Madrid in the knock stage of the Champions League. Chelsea defeated Real Madrid in the semifinals in 2021 to win their second Champions League, and Real Madrid also defeated Chelsea in the quarter-finals last season to win the Champions League.
Chelsea manager Graham Potter has revealed that he is excited to be drawn with Real Madrid in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
What is Graham Potter’s reaction to Chelsea drawing Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals?
At a press conference, the Chelsea manager said, “I said we would try and win the Champions League! That is the same for the other seven clubs. You can always lose in the quarter-final, as that is the nature of the Champions League. We will focus on Real Madrid when we get there, but at the moment, it is Everton.
“The feeling is excitement, but I would rather speak on Everton as that is the game tomorrow, and the other stuff is a long way away.
Asked to comment on the quality of Real Madrid manager, Graham Potter added: “I do not know him personally, but I have faced him when he was at Everton. I know he is a gentleman. It goes without saying, the amount of respect I have for him and what he has achieved is amazing, the length of time between winning the Champions League, 20 years, that is amazing and incredible.”
Crystal Palace parted ways with their manager Patrick Vieira this morning following 12 matches winless run in 2023.
Reacting to his sacking Graham Potters said: “It’s never nice to hear when a colleague loses their job. I have huge respect for Patrick; he is a gentleman. I think the way he has conducted himself has been exemplary. But that’s football and the business. We’re at the mercy of that and it’s not for me to say what clubs should and shouldn’t do. It’s part of the job but I wish him well. He’s a top person and a top manager.”
When asked about the challenge facing Sean Dyche’s side battling relegation, Graham Potter added, “Wherever they are, it’s always difficult. He is a fantastic coach, firstly, and his record is impressive. To do what he did at Burnley was a fantastic achievement and you can see the effect he’s had on Everton. They play to their strengths, are incredibly motivated, and have clarity in all the phases. So we’re under no illusions, we know how difficult the game is. It’s a fantastic test for us at home in front of our supporters and off the back of three wins. We’ll have to play well.”
