Graham Potter praises Carlo Ancelotti after quarterfinal pairing

Chelsea’s Graham Potter has praised his future adversary, Carlo Ancelotti, after the Blues were drawn against Real Madrid in the quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League. 

Chelsea will face Real Madrid for a third consecutive season in the Champions League after being drawn against Los Blancos in the recently concluded draw and Potter was keen to point out that his team would be facing one of the best managers in the game. 

The Blues beat Real Madrid in the semifinals of the UCL in the 2020/21 season and lost to them in the quarterfinals of the 2021/22 season, but both ties were under ex-manager Thomas Tuchel, and the 2022/23 quarterfinal will serve as Potter’s biggest test as Chelsea manager so far. 

Speaking ahead of Chelsea’s Premier League game against Everton, Potter reflected on the UCL draw saying, “The feeling is one of excitement, but, you can always lose in the quarterfinal, That’s the nature of the Champions League”

On facing one of the most decorated managers in the competition’s history, Potter said, “We will focus on Real Madrid when we get there.

“I don’t know Ancelotti personally, but I faced him when he was at Everton.

“I know he’s a gentleman. It goes without saying, the amount of respect I have for him and what he’s achieved is amazing. 

“The length of time between winning Champions Leagues, 20 years, is incredible.”

Potter has faced Ancelotti three times in all competitions but has failed to beat the Italian veteran after losing twice and playing out a draw in the meetings. 

Potter will be hoping that Chelsea’s superior head-to-head record against Real Madrid will finally help him get a win over Ancelotti.