Mateo Kovacic and Kai Havertz screamers made my job easy, says Graham Potter
The Chelsea duo scored superb goals from the edge of the box in victory over RB Salzburg
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Graham Potter says his life as Chelsea boss is made easy when his players can score the quality of goals that earned a place in the knockout stages of the Champions League.
Stunning goals from Mateo Kovacic and Kai Havertz sealed a 2-1 win at RB Salzburg in testing conditions and booking a last-16 spot.
Kovacic found the top corner with a first-time effort in the first half and after Junior Adamu had levelled for the Austrians, Havertz won the game in fine style by curling a sublime shot in off the post.
“It is amazing, top corner, it makes my job a lot easier when they can do that,” Potter told BT Sport.
“Great for Kai, I’m really pleased, he has been fighting and trying his best, so today to score that and help us win, fantastic.”
The goals were worthy of the win and Potter was pleased to see his side stop a 40-game unbeaten home record for Salzburg.
“I am delighted. It was a fantastic performance, I thought the players showed real courage here because the atmosphere, they are so intense,” he said.
“We were under pressure but I thought we controlled it well, we attacked well, created some chances. I was a bit disappointed to be only 1-0 half-time – one action from them, which can happen at this level – but we responded really well and a great goal from Kai and overall we deserved it.
“It was hard work but it is going to be at this level, that is how it is, away from home in the Champions League is so complicated, with the crowd and their team and the quality they have. Overall we played well, delighted for the players. They were fantastic.”
Kovacic did leave the game early after suffering a calf issue.
Potter added: “He is feeling his calf a little bit, it is a heavy pitch.
“He was feeling a little bit of tightness, hopefully it’s not too bad. It is just how it is at this point of the season.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments