Potter: More clarity but principles the same
Albion boss on positive effects of lay-off ahead of today’s return to action.
Charlie Hanson
Albion boss Graham Potter.
Albion boss Graham Potter.
Graham Potter has revealed the enforced break because of the Covid-19 lockdown has given his side ‘a bit of clarity’ ahead of this afternoon’s return to Premier League action, as Albion welcome Arsenal to The Amex.
Albion’s head coach says his team’s values and expectations are the same, but the enforced break presented an opportunity to watch footage of pre-lockdown matches in more detail and perhaps find an edge that can make the difference in the coming weeks.
He said, “The principles stay the same.  We’ve watched a lot of our games and of course we know we can do things better. That’s part of the process, that is the job. 
“There are always bumps along the way, setbacks and failures. The point is to try to be honest enough to understand those and move forward.  
“But our principles will remain and I think the break was good for us in terms of giving us a bit of clarity and we have used it quite well. We are also really happy with how the training has gone.  
“But the games are the most important thing so that is what we are looking forward to and we are excited about today.”
0_vybks8ti
The pause in the campaign has also allowed some players to recover from injuries, as well as giving others the chance to claim a place in the matchday squad they might not have pre-lockdown. 
“The players’ attitude and their effort has been good and everyone is ready to play. There will be guys who have changed their situation a little bit as well and the pleasing thing is that everyone is fit and available to help the team.”
Republic of Ireland international Aaron Connolly sustained a knee injury in March but is fully fit after undergoing surgery during the break from action.
“He has come back well and worked hard since the break. The physios have done a really good job with him.
“He is looking fit, strong and sharp and he can definitely help us over these nine matches. He is a sprinter so you have to be careful with his recovery times but he is ready to help us.”

MAIN CLUB PARTNERS

FOLLOW US

Club

Men's

Women's

Subscribe To The Newsletter

The official site of the Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club