‘It was a really special night’ – Graham Potter praises Chelsea’s 2-1 aggregate win over Borussia Dortmund

Chelsea manager Graham Potter waxed lyrical on his side’s ‘brilliant’ performance as they beat Borussia Dortmund 2-0 on the night to advance to the Champions League quarter-finals.

The Blues had one foot out the door after succumbing to a 1-0 defeat in Germany, but goals from Raheem Sterling and Kai Havertz sent Potter’s side through.

The task of qualifying seemed daunting, especially as the Blues needed two goals to stand a fighting chance – something they had not done since late December last year.

However, they were electric from the get-go and rallied to a second successive win and clean sheet for the first time since Potter’s early days at west London.

When asked what it felt like to be quarter-finalists, Potter said (via Chelseafc.com): “Brilliant, I have to say brilliant. It’s just sinking in. 

“I thought it was a really special night here, great atmosphere, the crowd were fantastic, players gave everything, and to win 2-0 and go through is amazing.”

Potter has come under increased scrutiny over the last few months following a series of uninspiring results that has left the club in serious danger of missing out on Champions League action next season.

However, with two wins in a row in games that were supposed to make or break his regime, the Englishman has shown the Chelsea fans why the club owners retained faith in his ability to turn things around.

When asked what he said to the players before kick-off, Potter added: “Well, just to show themselves as a team. 

“We’ve had tough moments, tough periods, results haven’t been what we wanted, and we’ve had to suffer. So tonight was a night for us to show that quality and show what we’re about.”

Chelsea will return to domestic action next weekend when they take on Leicester City at the King Power Stadium.

Tonight’s victory was massively important not just to boost the confidence in the dressing room but also regarding Potter’s long-term future at the club.

The owners have never been shy to continuously back the under-fire manager, but the results must remain positive if Potter is going to win the fans over.