According to Chelsea's manager, Graham Potter, running the team is "perhaps the hardest job in football."
Potter said he wasn't searching for sympathy as he attempted to preserve the English football team's season amid an injury crisis and after a summer of dramatic upheaval in all areas of the organisation.
He stated that even if the ownership of the club changed in May, there are still high expectations at Stamford Bridge.
At that time, Todd Boehly's company successfully acquired the club for 4.25 billion pounds, or $5.17 billion.
Only one victory in their previous eight games has prevented Chelsea from slipping to the bottom of the English Premier League standings (EPL).
Due to the expensive transfer additions from the previous season failing to leave much of an impact, they were also ousted from the FA Cup and the League Cup.
“It is a challenge, stimulating and ridiculously hard,” Potter said before Chelsea’s game at Fulham on Thursday. It is probably the hardest job in football because of that leadership change and the expectations because of, rightly, where people see Chelsea.
“The reality of where the club is in terms of establishing itself as a well-run football club that functions well in a competitive environment, maybe we’re not there yet.
“I obviously didn’t think we’d lose 10 first-team players (to injury)… I also acknowledge that I am the head coach and when we lose I’m to blame.”
During Sunday’s 4-0 loss to Manchester City, Chelsea fans sang the name of previous owner Roman Abramovich, who oversaw extraordinary success during nearly two decades in power.
During the same game, they also sang Thomas Tuchel, who, before Potter, a eulogy.
“I’m not after pity, I’m really grateful and privileged to be here,” Potter said.
“This club was run a certain way for 20 years and run well. I have a lot of respect for the previous owner and what they achieved.
“We have to build things up again… This is a new era, a new chapter. We’re going through some pain, it’s difficult at the moment. I understand the frustration and appreciate the support.”