Why Graham Potter took the Chelsea squad to an army base to meet soldiers this week

Graham Potter has been utilising Chelsea’s time off with a team bonding trip, and has more planned, according to reports.

The Blues have had a miserable time since returning from the World Cup last month, with Potter struggling for results as his side sit 10th in the Premier League.

They also went crashing out of the FA Cup with defeat to Manchester City earlier in the year, but things appear to be getting better for the head coach.

After increasing pressure, Potter has been backed heavily in the transfer market with Chelsea set to sign Malo Gusto as the French defender will become the seventh signing of the transfer window.

And results on the pitch also began to improve with victory over Crystal Palace added to by a 0-0 draw at Anfield, with Chelsea dominating the play against Liverpool.

Reece James, Ben Chilwell and Raheem Sterling are all set to make their returns to Premier League action soon as the Blues’ injury crisis appears to be recovering.

But without a match on during the FA Cup weekend, Potter has taken the time for team bonding activities.

As reported by Andy Dillon of The Sun, Potter took his team to an army base to meet soldiers on Tuesday as part of a team bonding day.

The head coach wanted to use the experience to help the new signings settle in while they have some down time, with the whole squad in attendance during the day.

They used the experience to train the minds of his players with a series of mental exercises to get them thinking and working together.

Furthermore, Dillon reports that Potter has more team bonding days planned in the coming days as he stated that there are a couple of more ideas planned for next week.

During his time with Ostersunds, Potter had reportedly made his players perform ballet, write their own theatre show about Vikings in Sweden and perform traditional Finnish rap songs to an audience.

With further bonding exercised planned, it remains to be seen as to what extent Potter will go to in order to bring his side closer.

Chelsea will be hoping that the bonding exercises can help kick-start their season, with the Blues looking to recover their form and push up the Premier League table.

They will also be keen to progress in the Champions League, facing Borussia Dortmund in the last-16 next month.

Gusto will arrive in London on Saturday ahead of his medical, but will not be taking part in the team bonding exercises as he is set to return to Lyon on loan for the remainder of the season.