Potter urges Chelsea’s dressing room leaders to lift gloom

In an effort to turn around Chelsea’s poor form, Graham Potter met with four of his most seasoned players on Tuesday for crisis talks.

The Blues have only secured five points in their past seven Premier League games when they go to London rival Fulham today.

To make matters worse, Potter’s goal-shy team, who have only scored 20 goals in the top flight so far this season, are three points behind the seventh-placed Cottagers.

But as the pressure mounted, the former Brighton manager consulted club captain Cezar Azpilicueta, Thiago Silva, Jorginho, and Mateo Kovacic as he planned the next course of action to bring the squad back on track.

Potter, 47, said: “I spoke at length on Tuesday with Thiago, with Azpi, with Jorgi, with Kova, a really good conversation.

Jorginho was one of the players Graham Potter sat down to talk with earlier this week

“They showed their qualities as people again. They’re honest. They articulate their concerns well, they articulate their positivity, they articulate their responsibility. 

“That’s why I think we are in a place where we can move forward.”

Potter, who was boosted yesterday by the arrival of Atletico Madrid and Portugal star Joao Felix on loan, added: “It is an experienced team.

“The players are honest, they want to take their responsibilities. They want to improve, they want to win. There’s a lot there we are fortunate with. 

“At the same time, we are in a tough moment and these are challenges that affect the players as well. They are human beings. 

“I know they’re paid to do their job but they’re not robots. They’re still affected by results and the transition phase at the club, but I’ve been really impressed.”

Tonight’s clash with Fulham is followed by another crunch London derby on Sunday, with Crystal Palace the visitors to Stamford Bridge.