Graham Potter says his Chelsea players have produced a “fantastic effort” after bouncing back from defeat in their opening game to advance to the last 16 of the Champions League as group winners with one game to spare.
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Two wonderful finishes by Mateo Kovacic and Kai Havertz ended Red Bull Salzburg’s 40-match unbeaten home record and saw the Blues join Premier League rivals Manchester City in the knockout stage.
Dinamo Zagreb’s 4-0 home defeat by AC Milan in the later game on Tuesday means Chelsea cannot be caught at the top of Group E.
The Blues had started their European campaign with a 1-0 defeat in Croatia against Zagreb on 6 September, with the club sacking boss Thomas Tuchel the following day.
They have since responded with three wins and a draw under Potter.
“They’ve picked up points in the Premier League and to go through like we have in the Champions League is a fantastic effort from everybody,” said Potter.
“We will take steps, it will not be a straight road, unfortunately. But we will take steps and tonight was one I think.”
‘My parents were here to see me score’
Chelsea remain unbeaten in nine games under Potter, who is without the services of France midfielder N’Golo Kante, French defender Wesley Fofana, England defender Reece James and Senegal defender Kalidou Koulibaly because of injury.
“We’ve had a lot of games and a little bit of disruption in terms of some key players missing, but credit to the boys they’ve responded really well,” added Potter.
In a breathless game in Austria, Chelsea produced one of their best performances under Potter.
A commanding first-half display saw them take the lead when Austria-born midfielder Kovacic rifled in an unstoppable left-foot finish from 18 yards.
“It’s nice to score in the country where I was born. My parents were here and so were my friends,” Kovacic, who was later withdrawn with a calf issue, told BT Sport.
However, the Blues were frustrated by keeper Philipp Kohn who produced four outstanding saves to keep out Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang alone.
Salzburg equalised through Junior Adamu before Jorginho had a header brilliantly cleared off the line by Adamu.
Havertz ensured Chelsea progressed with a sublime curling finish, before Thiago Silva was forced to clear off the line from Strahinja Pavlovic.
Chelsea have 10 points from five games in Group E, three ahead of second-placed AC Milan with one match to go. Salzburg have six points and Dinamo Zagreb have four.
By finishing top of their group, Potter’s side will be seeded for the last-16 draw on 7 November.
‘We can rotate’
There were impressive performances all over the pitch as Chelsea dug deep when they came under pressure in the second half after controlling the opening 45 minutes.
Potter is now preparing to return to his former club Brighton on Saturday following one of the strongest performances of his Chelsea reign.
“It’s amazing and fantastic to be involved in the Champions League,” added Potter, who had not managed in the competition before being appointed Chelsea boss.
“It’s a real test against some fantastic teams and a great experience coming to these venues and experiencing an away match in the Champions League. It’s tough and challenging, but I’ve really enjoyed it.”
Chelsea’s final group game is at home to Dinamo Zagreb on 2 November.
Winning the group with one game to spare will allow Potter the option to rest key players for Zagreb before the heavyweight London derby at home to Arsenal on 6 November (12:00).
“We want to win every game we play, that is the mentality we have to have,” said the Chelsea boss.
“We have a game at the weekend and another game the weekend after, so maybe we can rotate a little bit. But we will try our best.”
