Graham Potter hits back in emphatic fashion after he's accused of being 'too nice'

Graham Potter has been praised for the way he reacted to claims that he 'doesn't get angry' and is 'too nice' to be Chelsea manager.

The Blues were denied a penalty in their Premier League clash against West Ham on Saturday, when a Conor Gallagher strike hit Tomas Soucek's left hand.

Referee Craig Pawson did not deem Soucek's block to be a handball and moments later, VAR opted to stick with the official's original decision.

Chelsea fans were understandably frustrated by the decision but manager Graham Potter said there was "nothing to complain about" in his post-match comments.

After the full-time whistle, former Arsenal defender Martin Keown analysed Potter's reaction to the controversial handball decision.

He said: “Maybe Graham Potter is too nice, maybe he does need to get angry. Because it is real. It is real jeopardy. I want controlled opinion.”

Potter has since responded to claims that he is 'too nice' after a reporter brought up Keown's comments in a pre-match press conference ahead of Chelsea's Champions League clash against Borussia Dortmund.

You can see his brilliant response below.

When asked about his lack of aggression in press conferences, Potter said: “I’m careful not to get into a discussion with the media through the media.

“Of course I get angry. I’m a human being just like you. It’s just that I choose to conduct myself the way that I think is the right way to conduct myself on the side.

“I think the same media are talking about me being more angry and at the same time running stories about problems with referees at grassroots football. They don’t see the connection.

“That’s not to say we don’t all lose our temper because we do. It’s an emotional thing.

“At the same time, I think I have a responsibility to myself, to Chelsea and to the game to act in the way that I think is the right way for me, not for anyone else.

“If you think you can start a coaching career in the ninth tier of English football, and get to this point now as the Chelsea coach, Champions League without getting angry or being nice, I would suggest you don’t know anything about anything.”

Potter, who has won just two of his last 13 games in charge of Chelsea, is clearly fired up ahead of their upcoming Champions League clash against Borussia Dortmund.

Thoughts on his response to the claims?

Let us know in the comments.