Chelsea manager Graham Potter has admitted to being caught up with the emotions of Tuesday’s enormous 2-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund.
Having lost the first leg 1-0, Chelsea put on an excellent showing at Stamford Bridge and deservedly came out on top, with goals from Raheem Sterling and Kai Havertz securing the Blues’ a second consecutive victory for the first time since October.
Potter has faced immense pressure, so much so that he could not even watch as Havertz had to retake a second-half penalty for his goal. The boss sat with his head in his hands as the German striker, who was handed a second chance after some encroachment on his first effort which hit the post, coolly sent the ball into the back of the net.
“After the first one, I thought I’d sit down and listen to the crowd. I wasn’t watching it but delighted when I heard the roar,” Potter told BT Sport after the game.
“Taking penalties is not for me, so I am in awe of anybody [who does].”
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The boss continued: “There is a lot of emotion in the end. It was tense in the end but the boys played fantastic. I am delighted for them to get the win and great for everyone here.
“There was a fantastic feeling in the dressing room. We have been through a toiugh period and this competition means a lot for us. We wanted to progress and get into the last eight and it sets us up for the next few weeks.
“We have to recover and prepare for Saturday when we play Leicester. It is great for the boys, two clean sheets after a tough period. You get that in life and it is about how you respond and the players have been fantastic.
“It was important we put pressure on them and get the crowd with us. It is not easy to do because they are a top team playing with confidence.
“Credit to the players they gave everything and over the two games I thought we deserved to go through.”
With a spot in the last eight of the Champions League secured, Chelsea will look to keep the good times coming when they switch their attention back to domestic football at the weekend.
A trip to struggling Leicester is on the cards for Saturday, with the Blues looking to move up from tenth in the Premier League.
Credit: 90min.com
