Pep Guardiola has told Chelsea owner Todd Boehly to give Graham Potter time after Manchester City condemned the west London side to their sixth defeat in their last nine matches.
Chelsea were knocked out of the FA Cup in the third round for the first time in 25 years after a 4-0 defeat at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
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Potter has said he needs time to turn things around at Stamford Bridge after taking over in September, and Guardiola reiterated the point to Chelsea owner Boehly.
“I would say to Todd Boehly: Give him time,” Guardiola told a news conference on Sunday.
“I know in big clubs, results are important but I’d say give him time.
“What he’s done at Brighton is outstanding, but he’s right, we need time in the first season. I had [Lionel] Messi in Barcelona my first season so I didn’t need two seasons because Messi was there.
“Everyone needs it. To play against City, when we are at this level, it’s not easy for any team.”
Chelsea were 3-0 down inside 40 minutes against City and did not have a shot on goal until well after half-time.
