Chelsea’s form went from bad to worse on Thursday night as they suffered a 2-1 defeat at Fulham and they remained tenth in the Premier League table.
They have one win in eight league games and are currently on a three-game losing streak in all competitions.
Serious questions are being asked about Potter’s future at the club despite Chelsea showing little inclination towards getting rid of him.
Defoe stressed that Potter has not turned into a poor coach overnight and pointed out that not too long ago everyone was keen to praise the work he did at Brighton.
The former striker insisted that the real problem is the number of injuries Chelsea have suffered this season and is confident that they would have been in a better position had those players been available.
He is certain that if Potter is given time, he will turn out to be a top manager for Chelsea in the years to come.
Defoe said on Premier League TV: “You have got to give him time.
“You don’t just become a bad coach overnight.
“Not too long ago, everyone was raving about Graham Potter.
“You can’t sit here and say he is a bad coach, I think he needs time.
“The fact of the matter is, too many injuries to key players and top players.
“If he had those players, they will have more points on the board.
“He is a top coach and he will be a top manager there.”
Chelsea will be desperate to get back to winning ways when they host Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
