Brighton & Hove Albion manager Chris Hughton was encouraged by Yves Bissouma’s performance in Saturday’s 1-0 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield.
Bissouma played as part of a three-man central midfield in Merseyside, and despite his error in the build-up to the Reds' goal, Hughton felt the Malian made the desired impact.
He said, “It’s a learning curve, but we shouldn’t have got to that stage in the first place. They’re a very good pressing team, arguably the best pressing team, and if we put ourselves in that position then it becomes very difficult.
“But overall I am pleased; he has trained very well, he’s young and still getting used to the way we play, but he’s a talented player and he’ll improve in each game.
“The reason I played him was that it gives us a different dimension in midfield, especially knowing that I was going to play a three-man midfield.”
Hughton was also quizzed about the best way to get results against the big sides, and feels it is always a careful balance of being brave and wary of the threats they pose.
“If you want to play a bit aggressively and expansively against one of the big sides, then you have more of a chance of doing that at home than away.
“Every manager has to decide upon the best way to get a result. It’s hugely difficult against City, Liverpool and Chelsea etc.
“You saw Wolves getting a result against City and they played five across the back and four in midfield. If you get a result, then that’s a way to go.
“If you really press these teams, then they can work around you and people say it’s suicidal. These are decisions you have to make.”
Tickets are on general sale for Tuesday’s Carabao Cup second round tie against Southampton at the Amex, with prices starting at just £12 for adults and £6 for under-18s if booked in advance. Visit BrightonAndHoveAlbion.com/tickets for more information and to secure your seats!