In a rare television appearance, Graham Potter has disclosed the one error he made during a terrible six-month tenure as Chelsea’s manager.

Following a successful stint at Brighton, where he led the Seagulls to their highest-ever Premier League finish of ninth, the Englishman was named Blues manager in September 2022.

After suffering a humiliating 4-1 loss to his former team in his first month at Stamford Bridge, Potter faced a setback that made the manager unable to rebuild his reputation with the supporters. With a few games remaining in the season, he was sacked in April of 2023. Potter has not been seen in public for the past year or two, but he has been connected to a number of professions that could help him return to sport, including the England position.

During his unexpected reappearance on Monday Night Football on Sky Sports, the 49-year-old delighted viewers with his tactical insight and clarified his mistakes in west London.”The mistake I made was thinking that there’s a chance of a change in culture with new ownership,” he stated.

However, culture is much more complex than that. We had only lost three games before the World Cup—against Arsenal, Newcastle, and Brighton—but the world was already closing in, and a catastrophe was almost upon us.

“I can understand why Chelsea thought that because the results weren’t what they expected, the coach must not have worked at that level, maybe he’s the problem,” but perspective isn’t always that easy to come by. Chelsea were used to winning.

Potter, who promised to ‘come back stronger’ following the defeat, also explained why he disappeared from view when Chelsea fired him eighteen months earlier.

“To be honest, it has been intentional to spend time with the family and establish a connection with them following a 12-year journey that began in the fourth division of Swedish football and ended in the final eight of the Champions League.”This is not a trip that is inexpensive. Being able to spend time with them, establish a connection, and experience what the adventure has in store is nice.

It is disheartening. Even though losing your work is never pleasant, you must view it as a teaching moment and a chance to develop and get better.

I’m appreciative of the experience and the chance I was given. While it was difficult and demanding, there were also some positive aspects.

“It’s important to view things in a broader context and avoid placing all the blame on yourself or anyone else.” It’s about striking a balance, taking stock, and emerging more resilient.

“I have seen a great deal of football.” Taking my boys to football has been enjoyable, as has watching it at home away from the media’s prying eyes and the attention that comes with the job.

Potter and colleague pundit Jamie Carragher saw Bournemouth destroy Southampton in a South Coast rivalry, winning 3-1 to secure the home team’s victory.