Interviews

Duffy's praise for Potter

Defender says head coach has created the right dressing-room culture.

By Bruce Talbot • 04 October 2021

By Paul Hazlewood
Shane Duffy says everyone in the Albion dressing room is pushing in the same direction under Graham Potter.

Shane Duffy has praised the role of head coach Graham Potter in Albion’s excellent start to the season.

Saturday’s goalless draw with Arsenal at the Amex left Albion with 14 points from seven games heading into their next Premier League fixture at Norwich City on 16 October following the international break.

Duffy, 29, has been an ever present this season after returning from a season-long loan spell with Celtic and says the culture in the dressing room Potter has created has been crucial.

“We’re all pushing in the same direction. That’s what he has created here. No one blames anyone. We all take it collectively,” said Duffy.

02:38

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Duffy: Arsenal point shows how far we've come

“Someone makes a mistake, someone scores a winning goal, it makes no difference. It’s all of us and that’s the way it is. No one gets singled out for an unbelievable performance and no one gets hammered for doing something wrong.

“We’re all level-headed at this club. There are no super stars, we’re all really good players and we bond really well as a team off the pitch as well as on so it’s going in the right direction.”

Duffy offered a bit of insight into Potter’s strengths.

“He works really hard behind the scenes of who we’re playing and the strengths the opposition have. That’s why he is a top manager, he understands the game really well.

02:24

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PL Highlights: Albion 0 Arsenal 0

“He wouldn’t stick someone in an uncomfortable position where he asks somebody to do something that’s not their strength.

“But he believes in you and he trusts you. If you have that belief from your manager, why can’t you believe it? That’s the mentality of the whole squad.”