“We’re looking for excellent experience and good knowledge of the Champions League and this football club,” Potter said ahead of the game, adding, “I won’t give too much away to keep people wondering.”

While it appeared like Potter had chosen a back four, there was some speculation that three central defenders may be used against Chelsea’s Austrian Champions League opponents. Cesar Azpilicueta will start ahead of Wesley Fofana, with Kalidou Koulibaly providing the greatest surprise.

Regardless, the team announcement provided plenty of curiosity and suspense, and the first few minutes may have provided even more as observers tried to figure out the club’s shape. In the end, the Blues lined up with Marc Cucurella and Cesar Azpilicueta on each side of Thiago Silva, with Reece James free to wander forward. Raheem Sterling looked like a wing-back moving forward but didn’t have too many defensive duties, with Cucurella nearly being expected to perform double duty, carrying some full-back tasks as well. Alongside Kai Havertz and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang leading the line, Jorginho would drop into the backline to claim the ball with Mason Mount, while Mateo Kovacic was urged to look forward.

As Chelsea gained accustomed to under Thomas Tuchel, flexibility appears to be crucial in defence and beyond. It’s obviously too early to draw too many conclusions, but Potter’s statements may offer Fofana and Koulibaly encouragement, though whether anybody else could play Cucurella remains to be seen.

Sterling, Raheem

The wing-back was not needed to defend. Many did not anticipate Sterling to take on this role when he emerged as Tuchel’s priority signing during the summer and was supposed to be the key to unlocking Chelsea’s attack. The Blues’ old manager had usually used Sterling high up the pitch, extensively in the forward line, to terrorise opposing defences. While Chelsea had not looked seamless in attack, the former Manchester City star had managed three goals before to Potter’s arrival.

Sterling looked as dangerous as ever despite being set far wide against Salzburg. His deeper position created more room for the winger to run into, and the 27-year-old still managed to exert his effect around the 18-yard-box by arriving at the far past on several occasions.

It’s tough to argue with his 48th-minute goal, which was set up by a really clever touch before a finish from the outside of the box that seemed almost too simple. Even under a new goal, over £50 million was successfully spent for the club as he earned his 250th goal participation in all club competitions.

Chilwell, Ben

If Potter’s formation is something he intends to use, it might put Chilwell in a tight situation. The Blues’ wing-back had been used sparingly by Potter’s predecessor in the early stages of the season, but many would have expected him to have a more clear role moving ahead, especially following his performance against West Ham. If nothing else, Tuchel’s introduction of Chilwell last term left a positive impression.

However, given the approach employed against Salzburg, it is difficult to understand how Chilwell would naturally operate. Cucurella and Sterling look to be fairly specialised, with the Spaniard’s place in the back three and defensive duties out wide being particularly important. The former Leicester City player will be well aware of the magnitude of the job he currently faces in order to secure a spot in the starting XI.

Potter will undoubtedly have additional formations and strategies to deploy in the coming weeks, and Chilwell might still be the preferred option in another set-up, but he is certainly one to watch.

The problems will not be resolved overnight.

What must be noted is that Potter has not had much time to make an effect on the group or to put his methods into action. It should also be noted that the club did not fire Tuchel because of his coaching ability, but rather because he was the first to implement the system that Todd Boehly and his colleagues wish to implement at Chelsea.

As a result, issues that existed last week will not be resolved quickly. So, while Chelsea dominated possession and showed some offensive intent, it’s not unexpected that they only had one attempt on target in the first 45 minutes. Sterling had scored by the finish, but despite having 73% possession, Chelsea only managed four attempts on target.

Similarly, the Blues have showed some defensive frailty this season and will be frustrated in their attempts to prevent Noah Okafor’s goal, with a number of opportunities appearing to present themselves. The botched tackle by Thiago Silva may have been the highlight of the build-up to the goal, but the Blues’ lack of possession and the ease with which Salzburg moved up the pitch will be equally concerning.

Potter will be relieved that there will be no games this weekend before his squad goes for international duty.