Graham Potter reveals he has received death threats amid Chelsea slump

Chelsea manager Graham Potter has revealed that he received death threats aimed at his family from mindless ‘fans’ amid the club’s abysmal run of form.

Potter has been under mounting pressure at Stamford Bridge after Chelsea posted just two wins from their last 15 games in all competitions.

The Blues were booed off the pitch by the Chelsea faithful after last weekend’s humiliating 1-0 defeat to bottom-placed Southampton.

Despite calls for Potter’s dismissal from the fans, the former Brighton & Hove Albion manager has been constantly backed by the new club owners.

Potter has been in charge of the club for around six months, and Todd Boehly and co are willing to allow the 47-year-old more time to install his philosophy on the new squad.

However, speaking in his pre-match press conference, the Englishman says the past few weeks have been challenging and explained the extent of the abuse he has received.

“As much as I’ve had support, I’ve had some not very nice emails come through that want me to die, want my kids to die – so obviously, that’s not pleasant to receive,” Potter told reporters (via Football Daily).

“The challenge for me is, ‘Ok, how do I conduct myself’? That’s what I always turn to. The higher you go, the more pressure you have on how you are as a person.”

Despite continuous backing from the Chelsea bosses, the next few games could define Potter’s long-term future.

The Englishman remains convinced of his abilities as a manager and is determined to end the club’s wretched form but also admitted the abuse is getting to him.

“If you go to work and somebody is swearing abuse at you, it’s not going to be pleasant,” the Chelsea boss added.

“You can answer it two ways. I could say I don’t care, but you know I’m lying. Everyone cares what people think because we are hard-wired to be socially connected.”

Chelsea’s next fixture will see them travel to take on local rivals Tottenham Hotspur. 

The London derby is a must-win game for the faltering Blues, as another defeat will only push Potter closer to the exit door.