Pep Guardiola has urged Todd Boehly to give Graham Potter time to get things right at Chelsea.
Potter is under increasing pressure just four months into his reign as Chelsea boss after Manchester City served them an FA Cup humiliation with a 4-0 thumping at the Etihad Stadium.
It was a particularly poor performance from Chelsea, who managed just one shot on target in the match, with fans heard chanting the name of Potter’s predecessor, Thomas Tuchel, during the second half.
“I can understand their [the fans’] anger. They’re supporters of Chelsea, they’re used to better than this and I can understand their position,” Potter said.
“All I know is that we’re working really, really hard. We’re in a tough moment and I think if we want to accomplish anything sometimes there’s going to be a struggle and that’s clearly what we’re in.
“That’s the challenge for us all, to try and stick together. I acknowledge the feelings of the supporters and I understand them.”
Potter’s men have won just one of their last eight matches in all competitions in a wretched run that’s seen them get knocked out of the FA Cup and Carabao Cup as well as slip down to tenth in the Premier League.
The poor form has led to some questions about his future at Stamford Bridge, but Guardiola has backed the former Brighton boss.
“I would say to Todd Boehly, give him time,” Guardiola said.
“I know in big clubs, results are important but I’d say give him time.
“The second half is what he is. What he’s done at Brighton is outstanding, but… we need time in the first season. I had (Lionel) Messi in Barcelona my first season so I didn’t need two seasons because Messi was there.”