Graham Potter replaced Thomas Tuchel as head coach in September (Picture: Getty)

Chelsea must ‘ride through a storm’ to return to their top level, according to head coach Graham Potter.

The Blues are all the way down in 10th in the table after enduring an abysmal 2022-23 campaign so far.

The west London club are in a period of transition, having changed owners in the summer with Todd Boehly spending around £280m on new players.

American businessman Boehly also sacked head coach Thomas Tuchel in September, replacing him with Graham Potter.

‘Expectations are high and so they should be based on the tradition of this club,’ Potter wrote in the Chelsea programme on Thursday night ahead of the game against Manchester City.

‘I can assure all supporters that we are not here for anything else other than to compete for every major title there is, but we also have to be honest and say that we are not at that level right now.

‘We are at the very start and we need to do many things if we are to produce a team that everyone connected with Chelsea FC is proud of.

“Intense, challenging, enjoyable. You understand the pressure.” ðµ

Graham Potter’s honest reflection on his start at Chelsea ð pic.twitter.com/bvOEEhdnxY

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 5, 2023

‘Sometimes there will be progress and at other times it will look like we are stuttering. This is normal when you are growing and developing…

‘Our challenge is to ride through the storms, to face the problems and take responsibility knowing that we are all involved at a fantastic football club with amazing fans that want success.’

The Blues are in the midst of an injury crisis after Raheem Sterling and Christian Pulisic hobbled off in the first half against City.

Mason Mount was a surprise omission from Chelsea’s squad to take on City after picking up an injury in training the previous day.

N’Golo Kante (thigh), Reece James (knee), Edouard Mendy (shoulder), Wesley Fofana (knee), Armando Broja (knee) Ruben Loftus-Cheek (ankle) and Ben Chilwell (hamstring) are all also ruled out.

MORE : Raheem Sterling and Christian Pulisic hobble off with injury in first half of Chelsea vs Man City

MORE : Everything you need to know about Chelsea’s new signing Benoit Badiashile

‘Expectations are high…’