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Topics: Chelsea, Graham Potter, Red Bull Salzburg, Champions League
Robert Calcutt
Topics: Chelsea, Graham Potter, Red Bull Salzburg, Champions League
Chelsea boss Graham Potter has revealed the Blues’ plan for the tie against Dinamo Zagreb after they sealed Champions League last 16 qualification against RB Salzburg.
The west London side were able to advance to the knockout stages of the competition thanks to their 2-1 win away at their Austrian opponents.
Mateo Kovacic put the west London side in the lead with his first goal of the season, a superb left-footed strike from the edge of the box.
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Despite Salzburg equalising through Junior Adamu, Chelsea were able to seal the win thanks to Kai Havertz’s stunning finish.
Potter’s side had to work hard for the result, but will now be able to enjoy the success as they prepare to compete in the last 16 early next year.
Chelsea now have one game left in Group E of the competition as they host Dinamo Zagreb at Stamford Bridge next week.
When he spoke to the media after the match via football.london, Potter revealed his side’s plan for the tie against their Croatian opponents.
“We’re at home at Stamford Bridge and we’ll try our very best,” said the head coach.
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“We want to win every game we play, that is the mentality we have to have.
“But clearly, we have a game at the weekend and another game the weekend after, so maybe we can rotate a little bit. But we will try our best.”
After a poor start to their European campaign, Chelsea have been able to fight their way back in the group amongst difficult opposition.
Zagreb claimed a shock win over the west London side on matchday one of the Champions League, with Potter’s side then drawing 1-1 against Salzburg on home soil.
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They would soon beat AC Milan at Stamford Bridge before claiming victory against the Italian outfit at the San Siro a week later.
Qualification for the last 16 has now been secured, with goals from Kovacic and Havertz being enough to seal the deal.
Chelsea remain unbeaten under Potter since he joined as head coach at the beginning of September.
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They have also qualified for the knockout stages of the Champions League for the fourth season in a row, with Zagreb being their final test ahead of the next stage of the competition.
Potter and his Blues will return to Premier League action at the weekend when the head coach returns to his former side Brighton.
It will be one of five games that they have left to play before the break for the World Cup.