Graham Potter reveals he has been sent death threats

Chelsea promised to offer Graham Potter whatever support he needs after the manager was sent e-mails threatening him and his family.

Potter said he had been targeted by an anonymous account in the wake of the team's recent poor form, which continued with a 1-0 home defeat by Southampton last Saturday.

Afterwards some supporters behind the dugout at Stamford Bridge called for the manager to leave, with the atmosphere turning increasingly hostile as the game wore on. Personal attacks on social media have also increased following the loss to Saints, but those have now escalated to threats being sent to him directly.

Potter, who has said previously that he believes he has the hardest job in football, was nevertheless visibly upbeat ahead of his team's trip to Tottenham on Sunday, joking that he was late as he had been at a "crisis meeting" with the club's owners.

He spoke of the toll that recent months have taken on him personally, and bullishly rejected accusations that a calm demeanour in the face of adversity means he does not care about the club.

"If you go to work and somebody's swearing abuse at you, it's not going to be pleasant," said Potter. "You can answer it two ways. I could say I don't care, but you know I'm lying. Everyone cares what people think, because we're hardwired to be socially connected.

"I want to succeed here. There's nonsense (being said) that I don't care. Where does that come from? Where's your evidence on that? Ask my family. People have a perception I don't care - what's that based on? How do you know?

"You could ask my family how life has been for me and for them. It's been not pleasant at all. I understand supporters go home and they're annoyed because the team aren't winning. But I assure you, my