Graham Potter press conference: N'Golo Kante setback; Goalkeeper selections; Aston Villa

Graham Potter has spoken to the media ahead of Chelsea's trip to face Aston Villa on Sunday.

The Blues stand to be without right-back Reece James, who the boss confirmed is being sent for further tests amid concerns his knee injury could be severe enough to rule him out of the World Cup.

There were plenty of other topics on the agenda, however, and here are the highlights.

N'Golo Kante

Has Kante suffered a setback in his recovery from injury?

"He’s due to see a consultant at the weekend. It’s a setback so it’s not good news. But anything other than that, at this stage I can’t give you any more."

Are you worried that he keeps getting injured?

“Historically, there are things that have happened which are a concern and we need to get the bottom of that. It’s a setback in the last stage of his rehab so again that’s worrying. But all we can do is get the right diagnosis, the right consultation, and then try to help him get back to full fitness and enjoying his football.”

Goalkeepers

How has Edouard Mendy responded to being behind Kepa in the pecking order?

“He’s been great, attitude fantastic, and supporting the team. He was obviously injured when I arrived and Kepa has played, done well and contributed to positive results. We’re in the situation now where we have two really good goalkeepers in the competition and that is what we need to push each other along.”

Life as Chelsea manager

How have you found dealing with big-name players?

“I’ve found it really good. As I’ve said many times, the players are open, honest and responsible. They are ambitious and determined and want to do well. So far so good from my perspective.”

Are you ready for big or hard conversations?

“As far as I’m aware, they are still human beings. There is a media perception when they get to a certain level that they grow a second head or something and they become not like the rest of us. That is easy to put out there but the reality is not the case.

"At Brighton, there weren’t ‘big’ players but Adam Lallana won the Champions League and played for Liverpool for seven years, Danny Welbeck has had a good career and I spoke to those guys and did alright with them despite their second head because players have massive egos.”

You make it sound easy?

“You underestimate that in Premier League squads, there are 24 players who all want to play and know the consequences if they do well. So when you don’t pick them, they are disappointed and their egos are damaged and they are hurt and disappointed. People are complex in all walks of life and it’s not straightforward this job whatever the level. So far we have managed it ok.”

Aston Villa

What do you make of Steven Gerrard's struggles?

“The margins are very small as we’ve said in the Premier League. I’m sure Steven will want to improve the results and will be looking to this game to try to do that. Had they beaten Nottingham Forest they would have gone above Liverpool, so that shows you how quickly things can change.

"We have to make sure we’re ready for the challenge. In the Premier League, there is always someone under pressure. At the moment it’s Steven but he has the quality and experience and will come through I’m sure. So he has to make sure we’re good ourselves and with the greatest respect, not worry to much about Aston Villa and concentrate on ourselves.”

Source : 90min