Potter delighted with Jahanbakhsh’s development

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Head coach praises Iranian’s progress ahead of Newcastle trip.

Alex Stedman

2020-09-19T06:00:00Z

Alireza Jahanbakhsh takes a shot on goal.

Graham Potter says that Alireza Jahanbakhsh has made good strides in his development during the his time as head coach.

The midfielder arrived in the summer of 2018 and netted his first two goals for the Seagulls last season. He also found the net with a superb strike against Portsmouth at the Amex in the Carabao Cup on Thursday.

Potter said, “When Ali came he was a little low in confidence, not quite sure of his role and had to adapt to the league and the country.

“We sometimes forget that there is a big challenge when you come from a different league and a different country. You have to settle, and maybe things didn't go well for him and for the team. That can affect confidence.

Jahanbakhsh fired in Albion's Goal of the Season with an overhead kick against Chelsea.

“But over the year he has got stronger and is improving. I really like him as a guy, and I think he can help us on the pitch.”

Albion are unbeaten in their last seven on the road in the Premier League ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Tyneside.

“Before lockdown we had draws at Sheffield United and at Wolves, which isn't easy to do, but people were focusing on the fact that we hadn't won in 2020,” Potter added.

“I think that in football it seems there is always some sort of narrative around your results.

Adam Lallana is enjoying his 12th season in the Premier League.

“We have played at the Amex against Manchester United, City, Liverpool and Chelsea recently so maybe our home record isn't as good as people would like but there's a reason for that in the teams we have played.

“We had played away from home to perhaps lesser teams with all due respect to them by comparison.

“At the same time there are fine lines that we haven't had at home we have managed to have away - we just have to keep trying to improve. I wouldn't say there was anything conscious. We go into every game believing we can win. On Sunday we will have to be organised and balanced and try our best.”