Sanders: Winning Mentality Is Key

Brighton & Hove Albion under-23 midfielder Max Sanders highlighted the importance of having a winning mentality and believes his team-mates have benefitted from the momentum that comes with a positive string of results.

The Seagulls are currently on a six-game winning run, following last Friday’s impressive 2-0 victory over Premier League 2 Division 2 league leaders Blackburn Rovers in the north west.

Sanders was absent from the game due to illness, but the influential midfielder commented on the positive vibe within the under-23 squad in recent weeks, as they climbed into the play-off spots.

He said, “Some games earlier in the season, I think we should have got more out of them. The difference now is that we’re turning those draws into wins.”

“We’ve had great team spirit and everyone is just doing their jobs properly. Everyone knows what they need to do on the pitch, and we also have a good bond off it.

“It’s about the winning mentality - as soon as you win one or two matches, you know that things are working, so you stick to it.

“Simon [Rusk] has been very good, and all of us have started playing really well, both as a team and also individually.

“We obviously love winning and that momentum flows into the next game. We don’t want things to change, so we’ll keep doing what’s been working well for us.”

Rusk’s side have recorded league wins over Aston Villa, Blackburn and Newcastle United, while also beating Hull City, Sunderland and Whitehawk in cup competition - and Sanders spoke about Albion’s strength at both ends of the pitch

“We’ve got four clean sheets in four games. Everyone has chipped in at both ends, but getting a clean sheet is always a good platform to work off.

“We’ve definitely got the players to score goals. Viktor [Gyokeres] has come into the team and scored twice.

“He’s very strong and quick, he scores goals and is a presence up front. He’s a very good player and there’s certainly more to come from him.

“[James] Tilley has also come back into the team as well, so there’s definitely players to score goals from all over the pitch.”

Sanders, who’s worn the captain’s armband in recent weeks, has made 16 league appearances for the Seagulls this season, and the 19-year-old reflected on his contribution to date.

“Coming up from the under-18s, I wanted to come in and put my mark on the team. It was hard at the beginning of the season - but since I broke in, I think I’ve done well.

“I was proud to wear the armband, that was really good for me. Even though it was just for a couple of games, it was great to be given that responsibility.

“I’ve scored five goals this season but I want to score more. I want to keep adding goals to my game because it’s important.

“You want to make an impact in games, and that can be scoring goals but also making assists for my team-mates.”