News

Potter pleased with group's adaptability

Graham Potter has praised the flexibility that his side have shown in the Premier League so far this term.

By Alex Stedman • 20 September 2019

By Paul Hazlewood
Graham Potter speaks to the media ahead of Newcastle United.

The Seagulls have taken five points from as many contests ahead of tomorrow's game with Newcastle United, and the boss says he’s pleased with what he’s seen from his players to date.

He said, “The boys are open-minded to being flexible and adaptable and they all want to take that challenge on.

“We lost three players after the international break, as an example, and you have to be able to adapt and do something different to before – those that needed to went out and demonstrated that.

“It’s good to have players who are ready and can come in to help the team, so I’ve been delighted.”

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Potter's Newcastle press conference

Steve Bruce’s side provide the next opposition for the Seagulls on Tyneside, and Potter was keen to emphasise the importance of focus ahead of the match against a side overseen by an experienced manager. 

“You have to be like that ahead of every game no matter the opposition you’re facing,” he continued.

“Newcastle away is a tough game just like all the others, we don’t target particular matches – it’s about what we need to do to get a positive result.

“They have an experienced manager who I came across last year and he’s someone I have a lot of respect for. They have good quality players and we know it can be a hostile environment, it’s a big club and we know we have to play well to get something. 

“Steve has a lot of games under his belt – he’s had a lot of success and he’ll understand the challenge that lies ahead. 

“He has well-drilled sides that are competitive with quality – he turned Sheffield Wednesday around really impressively and I think he’ll have the same impact at Newcastle as well.”

By Paul Hazlewood

The boss also spoke about a seemingly perceived growing trend of teams opting to play their way out from defence in the top-flight, and spoke about what’s required from a side in order to do so successfully. 

“Playing out from the back on its own doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll concede goals, you can kick it long and concede them. 

“You have to just always do the best you can no matter what you decide to do, football is a game of mistakes and they will always happen. 

“You have to be able to mix your game up and try different things, it’s not fundamental in terms of saying everyone should play in a certain way, it’s about doing the right thing at the right time. 

“There has to be a collective reference, but the players will always be responsible for the decisions they take on the pitch because they’re the ones who are out there doing it.

“Collectively you have to have an understanding of what you’re trying to do, and there should always be options to the player in possession for the decision they then make.”