Potter keen to 'maximise' Chelsea star's potential after 'big goal' explains decision to rest key players

Graham Potter thinks it's important that he makes full use of the Chelsea squad and he thinks honesty in explaining decisions will make his players happy.

Chelsea beat unmanagered Wolves to win 3-0 at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. Potter has made seven changes since beating AC Milan in midweek.

Kai Havertz, Christian Pulisic and Armando Broja scored for the Blues who didn't have Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Raheem Sterling or Thiago Silva in the starting XI.

Reece James, Ben Chilwell and Mateo Kovacic were on the bench and the Blues were also without recovering N'Golo Kante and injured Wesley Fofana.

When asked how he could keep such a rich and talented team, Potter replied: "My experience of professional footballers, whatever their level, is that they want to play football, so you have to respect this,” Potter said.

"But at the same time, part of the deal with this club like this is that there is a lot of competition.

"You have to fight, but you have to help the team, be ready to play your part.

"All you can do is be honest, be clear, and be willing to admit that you're not always right, but we do it with good intentions.

"It's important that we have a strong group, a strong collective. It's a credit to the players because there is a good group here, I can't complain.

"I don't think we can do it with just 11 players, I don't think it's fair to play against 11 players until they fall and get hurt.

"As long as there are reasons, it's about communicating them and someone has to make the decisions. Everything went well today and it's a credit to the players.

"When you play three games a week, you have to make decisions about new players, when players are determined and desperate to play."

Albanian striker Broja scored his first senior goal for Chelsea, hanging on to a clever pass from fellow substitute Kovacic before heading home.

Potter hailed the former Southampton loanee and blues academy graduate for taking his chance to shine.

"It was a big goal for him and he had an impact on the bench," Potter said.

"He has to be patient, but he works hard in training. The academy players are essential; they bring an understanding of the club, the culture, the requirements, what is required in terms of environment.

"They had a fantastic upbringing with the academy, they are good people and good footballers. Our job now is to help them maximize their potential."

Former Chelsea star Diego Costa fought hard but couldn't force a breakthrough for Wolves on his return to Stamford Bridge.

The 34-year-old received a rousing welcome from Blues fans when he was substituted in the second half, with even five Chelsea supporters in the Matthew Harding Stand leaving the pitch.

Wolves caretaker manager Steve Davis has insisted Costa remains fully committed to his new Premier League challenge.

"His commitment is unquestionable after talking to him," Davis said.

"We spoke to him through an interpreter. You can see on the training ground, working with him on a daily basis, that he is committed, that he wants to do well.

"I didn't see him (the high-five), so I don't know. I wasn't sure what he was doing, but I'm not too worried.

"The thing is, he's a legend here, so I'm getting him after a result of this nature. So I haven't seen him so I can't really comment more than that."

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