‘Things have to be right’ – Potter hopeful Mount makes right contract choice ‘for him and his family’

Ciaran McCarthy
Graham Potter, Mason Mount, Chelsea, October 2022

Graham Potter has admitted he has spoken to Mason Mount about “life in general” and believes his “feelings” on the star “are clear,” and wants him to make “the right choice for him and his family”.

Other than through injury, Mount has not missed a single game for the Blues this season. Indeed, he was a firm fixture in Thomas Tuchel’s side and has remained that under Potter.

The attacking-midfielder’s contract is ticking down, and he’ll be free to leave at the end of next season if he doesn’t put pen to paper. Contract talks are ongoing, but don’t seem to be near reaching a suitable conclusion for the star.

If they can’t come to an agreement by the summer, reports suggest Chelsea will allow Mount to leave. Indeed, Manchester United and Liverpool seem keen to snap him up if that is the case.

Amid discussions over whether or not Mount could depart Stamford Bridge, manager Potter feels it’s best the club and the player are able to work things out.

“It’s between the club and Mason,” he said in a pre-match press conference, quoted by football.london.

“Sometimes these things happen. They’re complicated and it’s best I speak little about it.”

Indeed, Potter clearly wants Mount to come to the right decision due to the relationship he has with him, whether or not that’s remaining with Chelsea.

“I’ve spoken to him several times about life in general. My feelings for Mason are clear and I think he’s a fantastic person,” he added.

“I’m not naive and I know it’s an important contract for him. These things have to be right for him and his family and it’s important he makes the right choice for him.”

Potter has his own problems to deal with beyond the chance one of his stars could leave. Indeed, before their last Premier League fixture, Chelsea had one won of their last 11 in all competitions and sack pressure was ramping up.

They’ve now won two on the bounce, in the league and the Champions League. While that’s a weight off Potter’s shoulders, he feels they need to look ahead, not back.

“In some way [it’s a weight lifted], yeah. I don’t think it’s something I get too bogged down with but it’s always nicer to win because it feels you’re taking a step forward,” he said.

“I’m not getting carried away; it’s two wins. The boys have stuck together through a bad time which is good but we have to start again against Leicester.”

READ MORE: Liverpool learn ‘affordable’ Mount asking price as Man Utd add Chelsea man to ‘summer target list’