Potter’s plea for patience
GRAHAM POTTER says Steven Gerrard will need time to turn things around at Aston Villa and should not be expected to hit the ground running.
The Brighton boss will pit his wits against Gerrard as the Liverpool legend makes his debut in the Villa dugout tomorrow.
But while Potter admits the ex-england midfielder will give the Midlands club a lift, he reckons Villa fans should not expect miracles.
Potter said: “Top players have potential to be top managers. Exciting appointment. But no matter how good you are, it’s unfair to expect three years of Rangers from two sessions at Aston Villa.
“He is not going to fix the world in that time.
“It’s not easy as a top player to take a step into management. You have to be brave enough to go through a process. Good steps – Liverpool, Rangers, Villa.
“We will do our best and be ready. It is a tough game as it is Steven’s first game. They will be motivated. You often get a response. Give everyone a lift. Villa Park will be an excited environment for the home team.”
Villa have lost five games in a row, while Brighton have drawn five of their last six, their only defeat coming against Manchester City.
Potter warmed up for the game by sleeping rough on the streets of Brighton with two of his assistants to highlight the plight of the homeless.
The Seagulls boss, who is patron of local charity Off The Fence and took part in their ‘Big Sleep Out,’ said: “You have to do your best to raise awareness and money.
“It is an horrendous thing. I have no idea what it is like to be homeless. After one night there, it doesn’t bear thinking about. With winter arriving, it’s cold.
“You judge a society by how it treats its most vulnerable. To see people on the streets is disturbing.
“It is close to my heart. I live in Brighton and Hove. I walk around the streets.
“If I can use my profile to make something a little bit better for somebody, that is great.”