Interviews

Potter: I'm pleased with where we're at

Albion start pre-season with goalless draw at Rangers.

By Charlie Hanson • 24 July 2021

By Paul Hazlewood
Graham Potter watches on from the touchline at Ibrox.

Albion boss Graham Potter was pleased to see a blend of youngsters as well as his experienced players get minutes under their belts in the 0-0 draw with Rangers on Saturday.

Antef Tsoungui, Marc Leonard, Ayo Tanimowo and James Furlong all got 45 minutes each having been regulars for the under-23s last season, while Florin Andone and Solly March were back in first team action after long spells out with injury.

“I thought we were more in it in the first half than the second, as we had a lot of young players out there in the second,” Potter said. “Solly [March] and Florin [Andone] had their first 45 minutes for a while, so if you look at it over the whole it was a good exercise for us especially if you consider the players who weren't available.

“There's lots to do, but the players have worked hard since they came back. Now it's about trying to step that up.

“It was a really good workout against a well organised team in a fantastic stadium in front of supporters who generated a brilliant atmosphere. It was a proper game. 

“Now we just need to get the work into the boys and importantly they've come through unscathed.”

Enock Mwepu and Kjell Scherpen got their first taste of action in Albion shirts having joined the club earlier in the summer.

“It's a first 45 minutes for them and it's nice to get that out the way, we can build from there,” added Potter.

“They understand the team and what we're asking of them. They need time to adapt, but it's good for them to have that time to settle in to their Brighton & Hove Albion careers.”