02 February 2023 , 15:03
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Graham Potter has admitted Chelsea's bloated squad will frustrate some of his players as only a third of his 33-man contingent can start in each game.
The Blues were by far the busiest Premier League club in the January transfer window, as they made eight new additions, including Enzo Fernandez for a British record fee. Potter's men have made a stuttering start to the season and need somewhat of a miracle to finish inside the top four places - but the Chelsea board have backed their boss.
Mykhaylo Mudryk was set to be the most expensive arrival in the winter market after he made the £87million move from Shakhtar Donetsk. But Todd Boehly somehow managed to trump that amount by splashing over £100m on talented Argentina midfielder Fernandez, who starred at the World Cup in Qatar.
Benoit Badiashile, Noni Madueke, David Fofana, Andrey Santos, Joao Felix also made the switch to Stamford Bridge, but it means Potter has a squad of 33 senior players. He is not complaining about the £300million outlay on his squad, however, and believes he will have to find a solution to it all.
"I'm not complaining about it. It's exciting but a test for me and the staff," Potter said ahead of his side's clash against Fulham on Friday night. "We have a lot of good players and we have to create an environment where there is healthy competition.
Chelsea complete record-breaking Enzo Fernandez transfer after deadline day rush
"Only eleven can play, that is how it is, but it's about being ready and supporting the team. There's going to be frustration at times because only 11 can play."
Chelsea unveiled the signing of Enzo Fernandez on Wednesday (Chelsea FC via Getty Images)Will Chelsea finish in the top four? Let us know in the comments below!
Meanwhile, Potter also specifically gave his thoughts on the signing of Fernandez after he made the 11th hour move to the Blues from Benfica. He admitted he was "pleased" to get a deal over the line for the Argentine.
Potter added: "I'm the head coach so I don't get too involved in the nitty-gritty of deadline day. I am just totally focused on the next day's training and preparing the team for Fulham.
"I've been involved too long to know that there are some things you can't control and I couldn't do anything at that point to change things. I found out that we’d signed Enzo when it was all done and I'm very pleased, because he is a fantastic player.
"I’ve spoken with him today. My Spanish isn’t the best and his English isn’t great, so we needed to lean on the translator but we’ll get there. He is an impressive young man and we're looking forward to working with him."
Chelsea face Fulham on Friday night in what is another massive game for Potter's men as they try and get their Champions League push back on track after their 0-0 draw with Liverpool last time out.