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Potter’s admiration for ‘top-level’ Spurs

Graham Potter has praised the calibre of this weekend’s opposition ahead of Albion’s meeting with Tottenham Hotspur at the Amex Stadium.

By Alex Stedman • 04 October 2019

By Paul Hazlewood
Graham Potter speaks to the media ahead of the game with Tottenham Hotspur.

The Seagulls host the north London side after Mauricio Pochettino’s men suffered a 7-2 defeat to Bayern Munich in midweek, but the Albion boss was keen to highlight the talents of the side his men will host tomorrow lunchtime on the south coast.

He said, “I was at the game on Tuesday and it was a really good match from a neutral perspective. Tottenham had some impressive play at the start before Bayern grew into the contest, and from there, they were very clinical. 

“It was a disappointing result for them in the week against a really top team, but those are the margins at the highest level and sometimes they go against you. If Tottenham were as clinical as Bayern Munich were, then perhaps they could have been 3-0 up in the game – those are the levels they’re working at. 

“Mauricio is a top manager who’s done a lot at the club. He’s someone I have real respect for, he’s moved them into a new stadium and kept them in the top four above big sides - they have a flexible style of football that I really like, and I think he’s done a wonderful job.”

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Potter's Spurs press conference

Potter also spoke of his respect for Tottenham Hotspur forward Harry Kane, reflecting on the early stages of the striker’s career and identifying him as an ideal role model for young footballers.

“He’s the perfect example for players in many ways, because he had a few disappointments as a young player and had to find a way to get into the side,” he continued.

“He showed a real resilience to keep going and believe in himself and keep working hard. People always focus on the success now, but with top players and people, there are always a few setbacks along the way and some tough moments too. 

“His development has been incredible and he’s rightly up there as one of the best forwards in the world, he’s come through those hard moments and all credit to him. He’s the captain of both his club and country, and he’s a top professional.”

By Paul Hazlewood
Adam Webster in good spirits on the training ground.

The head coach also praised the impact of a member of his own ranks ahead of the contest with Spurs tomorrow, speaking about Adam Webster’s strengths since the defender made the switch from Bristol City in the summer.

“He had the challenge of coming into the group later than the rest, but he’s a really good lad who’s settled well into the group.

“On the field he has had to be patient, but at the same time when he got his opportunity, he took it very well. He’s improving all the time and we’re excited to keep working with him. 

“Playing away to Manchester City is never easy for any player, we put a bit of a responsibility on him in terms of playing out from the back and he did fantastically well for his debut.

“He can play at a high level and he knows his strengths. There will be a few mistakes along the way, but that’s as much my responsibility as it is his, because I’m asking him to play in a certain way. He’ll learn from it and become better.”