Frustrated Potter gives full marks for effort after Chelsea are held by Salzburg

An inauspicious start it may have been, but new Chelsea boss Graham Potter declared himself satisfied with his players' efforts.

The Blues dropped two precious points after allowing Salzburg to cancel out the goal Raheem Sterling netted early in the second half.

Just how costly that proves remains to be seen, but with two games against AC Milan next on the horizon, the margin for error is reducing.

"Frustrating, but I thought the application of the players, the attitude was fantastic," said the 47-year-old after his first game in charge of the Blues following his defection from Brighton.

"I really enjoyed the way they went about their work against a good opponent who make it difficult for you. I thought we got into some good one v one situations, creating some good opportunities.

"We scored a goal and in a period of the game where we didn't control it as well as we had, we concede, which is disappointing, but it can happen at this level. Our response was really good. We needed a second goal which didn't come and we're disappointed with the one point."

Potter added: "The players gave everything. I was very proud of how they acted. It hasn't been easy for them with a change of coach and all that comes with that, but their response has been brilliant. Very professional, honest and responsible. From an effort perspective it was absolutely 100 per cent there."

Speaking about the group standings after two games, the Chelsea boss said: "We can improve. We can't lie, it's not a position we we'd like to be in, but we have to respond, it's as simple as that. It's going to be a tough group, I think but there's enough quality in the team, enough quality in the squad that we can respond and we have to look forward to those [next] games.

"We understand the demands of this football club and I believe in an environment and a culture of helping people improve but we also know we have to win as well and be competitive. Nothing changes in that regard.

"We are at the start of a process together as a group and I'm looking forward to try and make this team competitive and that the supporters are proud of."