Good afternoon and welcome to live coverage of Graham Potter's pre-match press conference ahead of Chelsea's Premier League clash against Aston Villa.
Chelsea travel to Villa Park on Sunday afternoon in fine form and off the back of an important victory over AC Milan at San Siro in the Champions League. Confidence among the squad is high, understandably so given in their past three matches in all competitions the Blues have scored eight goals and haven't conceded.
There are concerns, however. Reece James limped off with an apparent knee injury at San Siro while N'Golo Kante has reportedly suffered a setback in his recovery from a hamstring issue. Potter will deliver the latest on both players in addition to revealing any other team news.
As always, we are in position at Chelsea's training base in Cobham to bring you the very latest from the Blues head coach. Live updates will appear below throughout the afternoon.
Who gets into your starting XI vs Villa? Use our team selector to have your say.
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Concerned about Kante?
Historically there are things that have happened which is a concern. It's a setback in the last stage of his rehab so that is worrying.
Can anyone stop Man City?
I'm certainly not in position to predict what will happen. We know the strength of Man City and the other teams as well. Our focus is to go game to game. We've not played that many games in the league and then the World Cup is on the horizon. So we just focus on the next match and that's Aston Villa.
How have things changed for you?
It's busier because of the double games, I can't go out as much because it's higher profile now because my face is on the television. It's ok, I have no life, I stay busy and try prepare matches.
From the outside, the results are good. There are always things that can be improved but I can't sit here and complain about anything with the results.
Always a coach under pressure?
At the moment but I know there will be times where there is. So you don't get carried away when it's positive and you don't get carried away if it's negative.
Thoughts on Aston Villa?
The margins are very small as we've said in the Premier League. I'm sure Steven will want to improve their results and looking at this game to do that. We need to make sure we're ready for the challenge. I think everyone knows in the Premier League there is always someone under pressure. At the moment it's Steven and he has the quality and experience to do that.
Degree in emotional intelligence, using that on players?
I don't want to comment whether they are or not but if they are, they will be disappointed but they know they're in a profession where things happen and you can't avoid them sometimes. Then it is about dealing with the adversity, the frustration.
How have you found managing big-name players?
The players are open, honest and responsible. They are honest and want to do well.
As far as I'm aware, they are still human beings. There is a media perception that you get to a certain level and the grow a second head and are not like the rest of us. But that isn't the case.
In Premier League squads, there are 24 players who all want to play and know the conesequences if you want to do well. If you don't pick them, their egos are hurt, damanged. It's not straightforward this job and so far we have managed ego.
Who is your number one?
He's been great, attitude fantastic. He was injured when I was arrived and obviously Kepa has played and contributed to results. We have two fantastic goalkeepers.
Feeling after the early games?
Had a few games in a short space of time, so we've had to use the group as wisely as possible. I've been impressed with the guys and their attitudes have been fantastic.
The main focus is going game to game and progressing. I don't think we're at the maximum but there is more to come from the team and individual. But we'll keep an open mind and then we'll see.
Kante and Fofana latest?
He [Kante] is due to see a consultant at the weekend. It's a setback and it's not good news. But at this stage, I can't give you anything more.
He [Fofana] is progressing where he was. I don't think we'll see him before the World Cup.
What has James said?
He felt not too bad yesterday but until you get these things checked, you never know.
Potter on James' injury
He's due to see a specialist over the weekend. Until we get that, there's not too much I can add. It would be speculation on my perspective. Let's wait and see.
Not good news
So, Reece James will likely dominate Graham Potter's press conference but he won't be all that on the agenda.
Get well soon, Emma
Chelsea Women's manager Emma Hayes has confirmed that she has undergone a procedure to remove her womb during the international break which means she will miss the Everton game.
Jose E. Feliciano on unique takeover, Todd Boehly, All or Nothing more
Speaking at Bloomberg's Bloomberg Invest event, Clearlake capital founder and co-controlling owner of Chelsea, Jose E. Feliciano divulged what owning Chelsea has been like so far, why they invested and what comes next.
Take a look at the transcript here.
Good afternoon
Thank you for joining us for Graham Potter's pre-match press conference.
The Chelsea head coach will be joining us shortly but we will have plenty from across the football.london website before then.
