John Terry writes off Chelsea title hopes and makes Potter-Mourinho comparison

John Terry has written off Chelsea’s title hopes for the season but has praised Graham Potter and feels he has already stamped his mark on the squad in a similar way to Jose Mourinho back in 2004.

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The new Blues boss secured the first win of his reign in a come-from-behind victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Saturday, with the result seeing the side move up to fifth place in the Premier League table.

If they win their game in hand, Chelsea would be just five points adrift of leaders Arsenal but Terry does not believe the Premier League title is a realistic goal this season.

Speaking on beIN Sports, the former Blues skipper said: ‘It’s been five years since we won the Premier League. Is that going to change this year? No.

‘So you’re looking at the FA Cup, Carabao Cup, European Cup… it’s going to be tough.

‘So then all of your eggs are going to be in two baskets domestically, and actually you need to keep players fit so do you rest and rotate players to make sure they get in the top four? What’s the priority? Only Potter will know that.’

Despite not fancying Chelsea’s chances of competing for honours this season, Terry is happy with the appointment of Potter and feels he has already won over a star-studded and sometimes difficult dressing room – just as Mourinho did nearly two decades ago.

Asked if the Chelsea job is too big for Potter, Terry replied: ‘I honestly don’t think it is. I think what he did at Brighton was incredible and their position in the league speaks for itself.

‘When you speak to anyone within the training ground or around the place, what he’s done on the field has spoken for itself: the way he plays, the formation.

‘But also the way he is with the players, and I