Potter admits integrating new players into the Chelsea squad will be tough

The deadline-day signing of Enzo Fernandez for £106million, a record deal for a British club, was the culmination of an extraordinary spending spree that saw eight new players arrive at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea are only allowed to register a maximum of three new players for the knockout stages of the Champions League when they register their squad with Uefa and while he welcomed the January influx, Potter also admitted it will throw up a host of challenges.

‘If you spend money, the external noise goes up,’ said the former Brighton boss. ‘Resources are one thing but you need to align them, make the right decisions, create an environment.

‘It’s exciting, and a test for me and the staff. We have a lot of good players, we need healthy competition but there will be frustration at times, that’s how it is. There will be a few awkward questions and conversations because only 11 can play and you can only have a certain amount in your match-day squad.

‘It’s about being honest, open and transparent, and respecting the fact people want to play.’

Fernandez, 22, a member of Argentina’s World Cup-winning team, could make his debut when Chelsea – languishing in tenth in the Premier League – host Fulham tonight.

Potter also insisted Morocco winger Hakim Ziyech has a Chelsea future after a proposed deadline day switch to Paris Saint-Germain fell through. ‘He is a professional and is committed to us and available for Fulham,’ he added.

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