(Football news) Chelsea under new manager Graham Potter were forced to settle for a nervy 1-1 draw against Red Bull Salzburg at Stamford Bridge. The Blues are currently at the bottom of Group E and are at a serious risk of not making it to the knockout stage. The Blues lost their opening Champions League match to Dinamo Zagreb last week which resulted in Thomas Tuchel losing his job. New manager Graham Potter had previously never attended a Champions League fixture, let alone managed a team competing in Europe’s elite club competition and will be well aware that nothing but success will guarantee his long term future at Chelsea.

Chelsea scored their opening goal through Raheem Sterling in the 48th minute, collecting a low cross from Mason Mount after some poor defending by the Salzburg defenders. The former City player was given ample space and time to target the bottom right corner with a measured shot from the 18 yard box. However, Salzburg found the equaliser 15 minutes later when Chelsea defender Thiago Silva over committed with his tackle, resulting in substitute Junior Adamu delivering a low cross to goalscorer Okafor, whose finishing touch received a slight deflection from Cesar Azpilicueta. 

Speaking after the match, Chelsea manager Graham Potter said “Frustrated with just the one point. I enjoyed how the players went about their work tonight. I thought we got Raheem into some good 1v1 situations. Our response was good. But we needed a second goal and it didn't come. We're disappointed with that one point. They gave everything. I was very proud of how they acted. It's not been easy for them either. A change of coach and all that comes with that. They've acted professionally, honestly and taken responsibility. Effort was 100 per cent there. 

“I thought we got Raheem into some good situations and scored a good goal. We can improve as well. But how the boys approached the game, I'm really happy. Whatever you do there is always a plus and minus., We're at home, we want to be on the front foot. It's not the position we want to be in – it's a tough group – but there's enough quality in the team and in the squad that we can respond. We understand the demands of this football club. I believe in the environment and culture. But I understand we have to win as well. We're at the start of a process as a group of staff and players. I want to make this team competitive and a team supporters are proud of." 

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