Seagulls’ party on hold

Potter tells Klopp Amex showdown will be no celebration

BRIGHTON boss Graham Potter has warned Liverpool that the Seagulls won’t be taking their foot off the gas tomorrow (3.15am Malaysian time). Jurgen Klopp ’s side were well below par when they were thrashed by Manchester City last week shortly after their title triumph was confirmed but bounced back against Aston Villa at the weekend with a 2-0 win.

Despite Brighton hitting 36 points after Saturday’s win at Norwich, Potter insists their celebrations are on hold because they aren’t safe yet.

The Brighton boss, whose side now face a rejuvenated Liverpool, said: “We still need to keep fighting all the way.

“We’ve taken seven points from four games after lockdown. It’s a decent return. It’s amazing what points can do for morale.

“We’ve only had four defeats in 2020. But we still want to get points. We’re not celebrating the bigger picture. We know we’ve got a lot of work to do.”

Brighton’s tally of 36 points has been good enough to keep you up for the past three seasons, taking the pressure off their game with the champions.

And after coming out of lockdown just two points above the relegation zone, they are now nine points clear.

But Potter said: “We’re disappointed we’re in this situation because we could have picked up more points. So celebrate the win against Norwich.

“But know that we’ve got a lot of work to do. We know what’s at stake.”

In related news, Liverpool reportedly won’t have Manchester City to contend with in pursuit of signing Thiago Alcantara from Bayern Munich.

Thiago faces an uncertain future at the Allianz Arena with just a year left on his contract and t looks increasingly likely that he will seek a move away from the German champions.

And Liverpool are seemingly in pole position to sign the 29-year-old with reports emerging this week that personal terms on a £31 million (RM166m) transfer had already been agreed.

Bayern CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge confirmed contract negotiations with Thiago had broken down, but said there had yet been any official talks with Liverpool regarding a move.

“We were negotiating seriously with him and fulfilled all his wishes,” Rummenigge said. “But it seems that he wants to do something new one more time. Let’s wait and see.

“We haven’t had any contact with Liverpool at all. But if he wants to go there, we have to deal with it.”

Klopp recently refused to be drawn into speculation surrounding Liverpool’s interest in Thiago, but the German coach did admit to being a fan of the Spaniard.

He said: “Would you be surprised if I didn’t answer? He’s a good player I like a lot but like many others out there.” – Daily Star/Express Newspapers