Joao Felix, first match against the Blues, first red card!

After extending his contract with Atlético Madrid until 2027, Joao Felix moved to Chelsea on a 6-month loan. The West London club, who were desperate to bolster their attacking sector, secured the Portuguese’s services in exchange for a €11m loan fee, in addition to the player’s full salary for the non-refundable loan period.

So it was on the occasion of the London derby between Fulham and Chelsea this Thursday night that manager Graham Potter decided to give the young Portuguese his first tenure. At the end of the first half, when Willian opened the scoring against his former club, Joao Felix established himself as one of the best players in his team. It was on the 56th minute after an unsuccessful control that the former benfikist began a dangerous and uncontrolled tackle, for which he was immediately sent off.

“This is a striker’s tackle, it doesn’t look like a gesture of humor, it was a poorly controlled launch of Graham Potter at the post-match press conference. This is football action that can happen at the speed of the Premier League. He didn’t go there to hurt anyone. He didn’t lose his mind. These are all learning moments. Joao is a young player, a top player and we can see his qualities. There was no evil, but I understand why he got red. His leg was a little high and the referee has to make a decision. At 10 to 11, Chelsea lost 2-1 to the Cottagers, “It’s really frustrating, incredibly difficult, and I’m sorry for the fans,” Potter apologized. It’s another blow, for now they’re tied. He was really good, you could see his quality in the game, so losing Joao in three games is really disappointing. »

After this tackle, recognized as dangerous, Felix will have to serve a 3-game suspension. The Portuguese will not return to the Premier League field until February. Another thorn in the side of Graham Potter and his people, who, nevertheless, must strive to move forward.