New Brighton & Hove Albion head coach Graham Potter says he will encourage his players to go above and beyond what is expected from them, but ultimately he wants them to enjoy their football.
The former Ostersunds FK and Swansea City head coach signed a four-year deal earlier today, and also highlighted how impressed he and his new coaching staff were by the vision shown by Paul Barber, Tony Bloom and Dan Ashworth.
He said, “I want to see the players improve and it’s easier if they’re enjoying their football, but we understand it’s a very competitive business, and the Premier League is at the pinnacle of that.
“I believe the players should enjoy their football, and then it’s about honesty and respect to try and put the team on the pitch that will make the supporters proud.
“We’ve had good conversations and been impressed by all three. Like me, they want to improve and keep moving forward.
“They know the challenges ahead, and that the league is incredibly tough. We’re not shying away from that, but we want to exceed expectations and try to do more.”
Potter also spoke about his journey from his playing days to his appointment as Albion manager, and how his academic studies have aided him on his journey.
“I managed to have a career for 13 years as a player, which I was fortunate to do and also had five years in the higher education sector coaching and managing people, and did a couple of degrees, including a masters.
“The opportunity to come into Sweden was one I thought I could do. Thankfully my family supported that and started my path.”
The 44-year-old is now looking forward to some well-earned downtime after a vigorous Championship season, and is now eager awaiting the start of pre-season.
“I am at the back end of a Championship season and a hectic few days, so I’ll have a few days with the family now.
“It will be important to plan what to do in pre-season, and it’s about getting as much information as we as a group of staff about the club. I am now looking forward to meeting the players, staff and getting to work.”