I’M NO SHAVIOUR
Potter: Beard isn’t the reason we’re winning
BRIGHTON boss Graham Potter says his beard is staying put, regardless of results.
The Seagulls sit sixth in the Premier League table on 14 points, only two behind leaders Chelsea, as they face rock-bottom Norwich at Carrow Road.
It’s the kind of run that would be enough to make a superstitious manager refuse to shave until the streak was ended.
But level-headed Potter is having none of it – even if his new hairy look has coincided with Brighton’s renaissance.
He laughed: “I don’t think I’ll be making a decision about whether I shave or not based on where we are in the table! I’m very happy with the beard at the moment.
“I try to be logical and to think it’s actually about 11 players on the pitch against another 11 players, and what they do.
“So, whether I shave or wear matching socks or not, isn’t really going to influence the game. That would be doing a disservice to their effort and their quality.”
But if it hasn’t been the beard, what is the real secret to Brighton’s success? Potter has the answer, and it’s not complicated.
“We’ve just scored when we’ve had the opportunities to do so, more than we have done previously,” he said.
“It sounds simplistic, but it’s also been a process the team has gone through. When we first came in, the team had finished with 36 points the season before and we tried to change the playing style, which can take a bit of time.
“We’re still not there yet in terms of being really consistent. But we’ve taken steps, and last year was a learning experience. Our performances were good, we were playing well in lots of games, but we didn’t get the points. You have to deal with that, and all the feelings which come with it.
“I think lots of the players have matured or got more used to the level since then. They understand more about what’s required and they are getting the margins on their side.”
Danny Welbeck and Steven Alzate are out for three months after having hamstring and ankle surgery, respectively. But Albion have Yves Bissouma, Enock Mwepu and Adam Webster available again, and Tariq Lamptey is fit enough to start.