Graham Potter relishing chance of managing first Champions League game in charge of Chelsea
Chelsea boss Graham Potter is relishing at the chance of managing his first ever game in the Champions League.
The 47-year-old has arrived as the new head coach at the Blues, following the club’s dismissal of Thomas Tuchel last week.
Potter’s first game as boss was set to be a west London derby against Fulham in the Premier League on Saturday, but this was postponed due to the passing of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.
Wednesday night’s tie against FC Salzburg in Group E of the Champions League will instead be the coach’s first in the dugout for his new side.
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Meeting players and staff, first training session: Inside Graham Potter's first 36 hours at Chelsea
It will also be Potter’s first appearance in the competition, having only previously featured in the Europa League at Ostersund.
When he spoke to the media for the first time at Chelsea via football.london, the former Brighton boss talked about the prospect of managing in one of world football’s elite competitions.
"My experiences have been as a supporter in terms of the Champions League. I have my Europa League experience with Östersunds.
“Going to Galatasaray was a fantastic occasion, and winning there. PAOK as well, getting through there.
"Going through the Europa League group was a fantastic experience of European football. But it will be an amazing evening for all of us.
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"We're all very excited for it, but at the same time, we have been trying to prepare a team, focus on the game, get to know all the players, and get to know everyone at the training ground.
“But there's no denying we are really looking forward to it."
Chelsea have already lost once in the Champions League this season.
They were defeated 1-0 by Dinamo Zagreb away from home, with Tuchel being sacked the following morning.
The Blues will be keen to earn their fourth win of the season across all competitions with victory on home soil on Wednesday.
Potter has spoken on the prospect of playing home games at Stamford Bridge.
He said: "It is one of those places that fills you with incredible excitement when you come as an away team.
“The crowd are always very, very passionate, they're always getting behind the home side.
"It's a really, really tough place to play so I'm looking forward to being on the other end of that and getting that support with the team because it's amazing, the atmosphere is fantastic and it's something I'm really looking forward to."
Topics: Chelsea, Graham Potter, Champions League, Red Bull Salzburg
Robert Calcutt