News

Stephens: Let’s look up, not down

A positive mindset can help us in last four games, says midfielder.

By Alex Stedman • 11 July 2020

By Paul Hazlewood
Albion midfielder Dale Stephens.

Dale Stephens believes that Albion should set their sights on achieving their best Premier League finish. 

Albion finished 15th in their first season in the top flight in 2018, the same place they occupy with four matches to play, starting against Manchester City at the Amex tonight.

Stephens said, “It’s good for yourself mentally to always try to look up the table rather than down. 

“It’s a refreshing way to see it and it builds confidence if you have the mindset of trying to catch the teams above you rather than trying to pull away from those beneath you. 

“There’s a plan and a process to what we’re doing, and I think we’re definitely going in the right direction.

“If we finish this season with a new record of points then we have taken another step next season and will keep moving forward.”

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Potter's Man City press conference

It has been head coach Graham Potter’s first season in the Premier League, and Stephens has relished the methods he has tried to implement. 

“I’ve enjoyed the changes and the way he’s brought his ideas into the side and tried to get us to play,” added Stephens.

“I don’t think I’ve ever worked with a manager who puts so much emphasis on keeping and moving the ball but he wants to win, he’s not just here to entertain. 

“And for me, at the tender age of 31, it’s been really good. He wants us to play out from the back and it’s a brand football that suits our squad. You can see the lads have taken to it and although there’s still a lot of work to do I think we’ll keep getting better.”