Graham Potter probably won't want to think too much about post-World Cup football just yet, but when players do come back, there will be some critical choices to be made once more.
The coach has been quick to try out various roles, forms, and tactics across his entire group. While the 47-year-old is still getting to know his team and is working with a big number of them out injured, making it more difficult to balance defense and attack, not all of them have worked recently.
He swiftly made decisions at the club, one of which was to elevate Kepa Arrizabalaga to first preference. This was made simpler by the coincidence of Edouard Mendy's poor performance, injury, and Potter's appointment. although not the capitulation at Chelsea since he came in 3-0 down at half time against Brighton, but his lack of fluidity or confidence with the ball at his feet is much more noticable after watching Kepa. That is something Potter values highly and with a transfer revamp on the way, it wouldn't be impossible to imagine the new manager following Pep Guardiola's example.
The Manchester City boss swiftly moved on Joe Hart after joining to bring in specialist ball-player Claudio Bravo, though he didn't last long before they hit the jackpot with Ederson. At 30-years-old and as a late blossomer, Mendy is unlikely to develop the side of his game that Potter values enough to truly convince him in the long run, and this was a concern of the club over the summer before Potter even came in.
Now, Mendy himself is reportedly evaluating his options. He will be at the World Cup as Senegal's first choice keeper, but meanwhile Kepa is back at Cobham working closely with Potter. Injuries aside, it's hard to imagine that once the tournament is done Kepa won't be back in-between the sticks for Chelsea.
The Daily Mail write that Mendy is holding off on contract talks right now as Chelsea plan a raid on Brighton for their own No.1. This is unsurprising. The recruitment staff at Cobham is being overloaded with those who were successful on the south coast - Kyle Macaulay is set for a busy January and Paul Winstanley is expected to join once finished with the Seagulls. The Blues had to pay £2m to get the backroom staff to Stamford Bridge with Potter, but if they can ensure a good footballing return on the recruitment decisions made, it may well turn out to be a bargain. And they were the driving forces behind the clever recruitment that helped Potter in the first place.
0 Comments