Arteta Empathises With Under-Fire Chelsea Manager Potter

Potter has come under intense pressure after just nine of his 26 games in charge of the Blues since taking over from Thomas Tuchel back in September.

That run also includes just two wins in their last 15 Premier League games despite significant spending in the January transfer window.

In a run that started on November 6th, Chelsea have scored six goals across their last 15 games in all competitions, the fewest of any side in England's top four tiers. Over the same period, Man Utd have scored 50 goals, including 18 goals from Marcus Rashford.

Potter revealed last week that his mental health and family life have suffered after receiving life-threatening messages over Chelsea's poor form.

At the start of last season, Arteta came under pressure at Arsenal following a poor start but his side are now top of the Premier League table this term.

Arteta acknowledges the pressure Potter is under and has offered him some wise words.

“We are colleagues and we all know the pressure, the demands and the uncertainty that this industry has,” said Arteta.

"You can have difficulties in your job and challenges, which we do, especially when you lose, but when you are winning as well because this job is so demanding.

"You cannot destroy your life because of that. Your family, your friends, your loved ones, the people around you, don't deserve to have their lives affected in such a negative way because you don't win a football match.

"So that balance I think in my case was critical. But you need some help, someone to paint that picture in front of you because sometimes when you are in that position it is not easy to see."

Asked if he had empathy for Potter, he added: “Absolutely.

“The fact is the ball has to go into the net and there are many factors that prevent that, that you cannot control so of course you empathise because you suffer and you know how it is when he is going through those moments.”