News

Potter looking to end decade on a positive note

Graham Potter hopes to reward the support of the Amex crowd with a victory to end the decade against AFC Bournemouth at the Amex Stadium this afternoon.

By Bruce Talbot • 28 December 2019

By Paul Hazlewood
Albion head coach Graham Potter.

Albion produced another encouraging display against Tottenham Hotspur on Boxing Day, but went down 2-1 despite taking the lead through Adam Webster’s goal.

It has become a familiar theme in recent matches, but Potter insists he and his players still believe in their identity and the way they want to play.

He said, “The next game in the Premier League is always the most important one, we know that.

“We have had some good performances, but not picked up the points we think we should have had.

“But you have to carry on believing in what you are doing, your identity - and do it better. That’s the focus for us in the next game.

“I am hoping we can do better on Saturday, that’s our responsibility, not least to the crowd at the Amex who have been very supportive towards us.

“Bournemouth won’t make it easy and we have to understand where we are in the hierarchy of the Premier League. Every point is hard fought, and we have to be ready to fight together again on Saturday.”

01:40

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Potter's Spurs verdict

Potter made five changes on Boxing Day and isn’t ruling out another switch in personnel against Eddie Howe’s side today.

“In terms of being able to select the same players 48 hours later it is very difficult,” he said. “The sports scientists who know about recovery say this schedule is not good, but it’s the Premier League and we have to deal with it.

“I have heard far more experienced managers such as Jurgen Klopp, Brendan Rodgers and now Jose Mourinho say how difficult this quick turnaround is and I don’t disagree with them. Maintaining a certain level is hard, but the challenge is to adapt to it.”

02:06

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Highlights: Spurs 2 Albion 1

Skipper Lewis Dunk missed the Tottenham game with a virus although Potter is hopeful Dunk will recover in time to be in consideration for selection this afternoon on the south coast.

“Lewis was just feverish,” added Potter. “Hopefully it’s an infection that isn’t too bad. We’re hopeful he will be okay for Bournemouth.

“We will assess who has recovered and who can play again. The guys that played on Boxing Day can only do recovery work on Friday and the guys that haven’t will prepare in the normal way.”