Unfortunate circumstances

Chelsea manager Graham Potter is quickly climbing the list of English Premier League (EPL) managers most likely to lose their jobs, per betting odds.

Last week, sportsbooks had Potter at +1400 to be the next manager to be removed from his post. Following his loss to Fulham on Thursday, those odds have shortened to +400, according to Irish bookmaker Paddy Power. The team has now dropped to tenth in the league with just 25 points, below every other member of the typical ‘top six.’

sent off for a reckless challenge 58 minutes into his debut

Not even new star arrival Jo?o Félix could save Potter. The silky Portuguese was sent off for a reckless challenge 58 minutes into his debut on Thursday, meaning he is now unavailable for three games. The Atletico Madrid loanee filled Chelsea fans with hope prior to his arrival, but now his red card will come at a multimillion-dollar loss to the club.

From bad to worse

Potter is the second favorite to be the next EPL manager to get the sack, trailing former Chelsea man and current Everton boss Frank Lampard (-225). 

After starting with an undefeated nine-game stretch, Potter’s Blues have managed just one win in their last nine outings, suffering defeats to Aston Villa and Fulham in that time, while also drawing with lower table team Nottingham Forest.

Despite this poor form, the new Chelsea board has spent $363.9m on player transfers since taking over early last year. They most recently forked out $11.9m to Atletico Madrid for Félix’s six-month loan. Around $2.5m of that fee will be a sunken cost, with Félix’s straight red card limiting him to the sidelines until the game against West Ham on February 11.

Trying times

The 47-year-old Potter arrived at Chelsea in September 2022 as a replacement for German predecessor Thomas Tuchel. The latter reportedly lost the trust of several key squad members and was disconnected from the new ownership regime, leading to his dismissal from the club. 

Potter’s appointment symbolized the ownership’s goal of dedicating itself to a long-term project. He had successful stints in the Swedish Allsvenskan league and EFL Championship and garnered a reputation as one of the best developmental coaches with Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premiership.

supporters have broken into song for Tuchel and former owner Roman Abramovich

Chelsea fans still have split opinions on their current boss. In each of the last two matches, a faction of supporters have broken into song for Tuchel and former owner Roman Abramovich—meanwhile, others flagged Potter down after the Fulham defeat to let him know that he still has their full confidence:

The Blues have a chance to steady the ship Sunday when they take on 12th-place Crystal Palace.