Emery insists Graham Potter deserves to be Chelsea’s boss

Graham Potter, who succeeded Tuchel in Chelsea, came a target of criticism after a run of one victory in 11 games after the New Year. However, he slowly turned things around as the club headed the international break with three wins and a draw. Former Arsenal boss, Unai Emery, believes Potter fully deserves his chance at a big club.

"He did amazing at Brighton and needs time to adapt his ideas at Chelsea,"

Emery said at Thursday's pre-match press conference. "

Progressively, they're doing better and better.

"Tuchel's work was also amazing, but what Potter did with Brighton was really amazing and he deserved to take a step up with a team like Chelsea.

"They're now progressing. Everything he previously did with Brighton he can do as well with Chelsea. He just needs time.

"They have played well in the Champions League but have not been as consistent in the Premier League.

"But we know on Saturday we're playing one of the best teams in the Premier League. It's a good challenge for us and this is why I'm in the Premier League."

Villa is currently level on points with 10th-placed Chelsea after gaining 10 points from their past 12 available points. Emery is targeting a top-half finish.

"When I arrived we were struggling at the bottom but the first reaction from the club, supporters, players, was amazing,"

Emery said. "

Now we have escaped the bottom positions.

"Now we can think of our new challenge, which is to be in the top 10. This will start this Saturday. We think we have a good possibility to be there.

"The last four matches we played, scoring seven goals and conceding only one, winning three matches and drawing one, it was a very good moment for us."

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