Graham Potter explains decision to haul Joao Felix off at half-time of Leicester win as pundit brands ace ‘frustrating’

GRAHAM POTTER has explained his decision to haul Joao Felix off at half-time against Leicester.

And one ex-Chelsea star has raised doubts over a permanent transfer for the Atletico Madrid star, branding him a “frustrating” player.

Graham Potter has revealed why he hooked Joao Felix at half-time of Chelsea’s win against LeicesterRex

Felix, 23, joined the Blues on loan in January after falling out of Diego Simeone’s plans.

He has one goal in eight games for his new side.

But Chelsea will have to negotiate a huge fee if they want to sign Felix permanently in the summer.

And there are now question marks over the Portugal international’s future at Stamford Bridge after a poor display against Leicester yesterday.

The attacker did manager to hit the target, but his goal was ruled out after he strayed well offside.

Felix then gave the ball away for the Foxes’ equaliser in Chelsea’s 3-1 win, failing to close down properly to win it back.

And he was subbed off in place of Connor Gallagher at the break, with his replacement enjoying a fine second half.

Boss Potter has now lifted the lid on why he made the decision to replace attacker Felix with midfielder Gallagher.

And nobody can question the manager’s choice as Chelsea held on for victory at the King Power Stadium.

Potter said: “Tactically I wanted to use an extra midfielder.

“I felt we needed someone who could ball-win, a different profile, and I thought Conor was fantastic.”

Meanwhile, former Chelsea midfielder Craig Burley reckons Felix is “frustrating” to watch due to his lack of “end product.”

Burnley told ESPN: “Joao Felix is a bit frustrating, because it’s in there.

“Some of the things he does are really good but the end product for him is not there at the moment.

“He scored a goal but he was offside and that, again, was just down to his eagerness to get in there.”