Topics: Chelsea, Graham Potter, Kai Havertz, Champions League, Borussia Dortmund
Kai Havertz jumped to the defence of Graham Potter after Chelsea progressed to the Champions League quarter-finals with a crucial win over Borussia Dortmund.
The German attacking midfielder converted from 12 yards to give the Blues a one-goal lead in Tuesday night's last-16 clash, and it was a goal that turned out to be the winner.
It was a much-needed result for Graham Potter, who has come under huge scrutiny in recent weeks following a poor run of form in all competitions.
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But despite the ongoing rumours surrounding his future at Stamford Bridge, many are backing Potter to succeed, including Havertz, who made his feelings clear in a passionate post-match interview.
After the full-time whistle, the Germany international was asked what qualifying for the quarter-finals of the Champions League tells us about his manager.
"We know the pressure is coming at him," he told beiN SPORTS. "You can see he is a big manager. In the media I cannot believe how many people talk about him.
"We have 100s of coaches in England that think they know better than him. We know in the changing room he's a big personality and big manager and helps us all a lot. Me included. We are 100 per cent behind him.
"Even though the people may not see it, today everybody seen he is a big manager."
Ahead of Tuesday's game, Potter refused to blame Havertz for his six-game goal drought at Chelsea.
“I think we have to attack better as a team and that’s my responsibility. It’s too easy to zoom into individuals and blame them," he said.
“It’s a collective, we have to create more, do better and that starts with me, helping the team get better chances more chances because then I don’t doubt the quality of the players.”
Havertz repaid the faith of his manager on Tuesday night with a goal that will no doubt strengthen Potter's position in the dugout.
At times, the former Brighton manager looked nervy on the Stamford Bridge touchline. In fact, he didn't watch Havertz's penalty to make it 2-1, with footage soon emerging of the scene.
Potter explained his decision to look away after the game ended.
"After the first one, I thought I'd sit down and listen to the crowd. I wasn't watching it but delighted when I heard the roar," Potter told BT Sport.
"Taking penalties is not for me, so I am in awe of anybody [who does]."
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