Rio Ferdinand has commended Chelsea manager Graham Potter for using two Chelsea teenagers who he feels would have struggled under Thomas Tuchel and may have left the club.
It comes after the Blues’ form has improved, with the new head coach having had a strong start.
The most recent was a 2-0 victory over AC Milan at the San Siro, which gave them back-to-back Champions League victories and sent them to the top of their group.
“They have really responded, been really honest and accountable, and they want to do well,” Potter said of his players’ trust in him since his arrival.
“Our job is to try to help them and to try to help them enjoy their football. There is pressure and we want to win, but if they are enjoying their football, there is quality in the team.”
While there has been a lot of excitement surrounding the Blues’ recent results, there has also been a lot of chance for players to shine.
Conor Gallagher and Armando Broja, both of whom have made cameo appearances so far, are looking to break into the first-team from the academy.
Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand says the pair could have gone under Tuchel but might prosper under Potter.
He told BT Sport: “The young players, Broja there were loads of clubs courting him, in years gone by he would have been let go.
“The same with Conor Gallagher. Now they are sitting there thinking thank god for this guy [Graham Potter]. There would have been a lot of people going ‘oh my god’ Tuchel has gone, I was one of them.
“But there will be some young players who really benefit from this. Chelsea have a fantastic youth academy as well.”
It remains to be seen if they can kick on to be regulars in the starting side, but their impact on the squad may be useful in depth as Potter prepares for a busy season ahead.
