Graham Potter's smartened up appearance since leaving Brighton six weeks ago might have generated a few news conference questions, but he returns this weekend with a side that is very familiar to the home fans.
Todd Boehly, Potter's new owner, is demanding substance in return for his multi- million pound investment.
Losing the faith of the board and the players cost the previous boss his job. Potter seems to be restoring confidence with his methodical approach.
His progress in a game on Saturday is likely to be a test for him personally as well as professionally.
Potter, who led them to a ninth place finish in the top flight last season, said it was a tough game.
I know the team well and I'm looking forward to going back there.
Potter made a steady, if not spectacular, start when his first game in charge of a European club ended in a draw.
The Blues haven't lost since then and have won in a further eight matches, but that doesn't tell the whole story.
Potter's side relied on perspiration more than inspiration to earn a point against Manchester United last weekend, as they try to find the balance between defensive solidity and attacking spark.
When they secured their place in the knockout stage with a win at Salzburg on Tuesday, they showed renewed belief.
The hallmarks of 'Potter-ball' were patient but probing possession based game with slick switches of gear when openings appear
Glenn Hoddle said that the first-half performance was the best 45 minutes under Graham Potter.
Osman was part of the commentary team at Radio 5 Live.
In the first half, the football was very bad.
They were moving the ball quickly and crisp, creating chances and exciting, everything we've been asking for from this team.
The lack of ruthlessness in front of goal will still be a concern to some, despite the fact that there was plenty to be encouraged by in Salzburg.
The Blues created several excellent chances but, due to a combination of profligate finishing and inspired goalkeeping, could easily have ended up with a draw.
Statistics show that they would be expected to score more goals under Potter than they were under Tuchel.
Osman said that they may have lost belief at the beginning of the season.
Potter wants them to play and they are learning how to do it.
The squad will have a lot of faith in Potter.
| Under Potter | Under Tuchel | |
| Average possession | 62% | 62.2% |
| Passes per game | 589 | 569 |
| Shots per game | 13.1 | 12.1 |
| Goals per game | 1.8 | 1.1 |
| Expected goals per game | 1.32 | 1.25 |
Tuchel's initial success was the result of a solid defensive platform, which resulted in a third-place finish in the premier league last season.
The Blues have lost three times and kept one clean sheet this season.
Kepa Arrizabalaga has been re-installed by Potter as the new goalkeeper.
The Blues have not given up a point in their last seven games.
Character was the focus of the second half against Salzburg. They had to grind it out after they didn't take chances in the first half.
otter adapted the team very well.
They were very strong defensively. There were some good blocks and good saves.
Potter will be happy with the progress they've made, but there are things to work on, like bringing the ball out from the back under pressure.
| Under Potter | Under Tuchel | |
| Shots faced per game | 9.4 | 9.7 |
| Goals conceded per game | 0.4 | 1.4 |
| Expected goals against per game | 0.91 | 1.32 |
The statistics don't show a good picture.
Roberto de Zerbi replaced Potter and the Seagulls haven't won in the last five games.
The Seagulls earned a lot of praise for their fearless performances in trips to Manchester City and Manchester.
In the four games between those games, the Seagulls claimed one more point than they did in the others.
| Under De Zerbi | Under Potter | |
| Average possession | 59.4% | 50.4% |
| Passes per game | 572 | 445 |
| Shots per game | 13.6 | 13.3 |
| Goals per game | 0.8 | 2.0 |
| Expected goals per game | 1.24 | 1.75 |
When facing the better teams, the Seagulls have produced their best performances and results. It is against struggling opponents who park the bus that the Seagulls have problems with.
otter didn't fix the problem before he left. He flew in his final 15 games because he faced attacking teams.
De Zerbi has a challenge in finding a way to beat defensive teams and opposition managers who know how to get something.
McCarthy believes that the mindset of the game should suit the Seagulls.
It seems like an acceptable trade off for five matches without success if the football scriptwriters decide to save De Zerbi's first victory.
| Under De Zerbi | Under Potter | |
| Shots faced per game | 8.6 | 10.3 |
| Goals conceded per game | 1.8 | 0.7 |
| Expected goals against per game | 1.10 | 1.03 |
Potter said he felt he had to pounce on the opportunity when he got the chance to manage a team.
The stock of the 47-year-old Englishman continued to rise after he led the Seagulls to ninth place in the premier league
After winning four and drawing one of their first six games, the Seagulls were fourth in the table.
The majority of home fans will welcome Potter back, according to Steve Sidwell, a former Seagull and Blues player.
Sidwell said it was a difficult decision for him to make.
It was hard to turn down the chance to manage one of the top clubs in English football and be in the European Championship.
I think most of the fans of the Seagulls will be respectful of him.
If you get a better chance to work for a better company, you have to take it.
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