POTTER PRAISE FOR ‘FIGHTERS’
GRAHAM POTTER admits that his players “suffered” during their dismal autumn run – but is proud that they refused to feel sorry for themselves.
Brighton’s 1-0 win at Liverpool on Wednesday capped a remarkable turnaround.
The Seagulls have now won three of their last four league games to lift themselves 10 points clear of the drop zone.
Brighton have been hit by a major blow, however, with wing-back Solly March having knee cartilage surgery today which could rule him out for the rest of the season.
March had been one of the stars of the campaign so far and even thrust himself into England coach Gareth Southgate’s thinking for the Euros this summer.
Up until Brighton won at Leeds three weeks ago, they had won only one of their previous 18 matches, placing the manager under pressure, despite his team playing some good football.
But Potter believes the fightback that saw Brighton respond from 3-1 down at half-time to draw 3-3 with Wolves on
January 2 was a real catalyst.
He said: “We could have felt sorry for ourselves but this is a good group, there is a real togetherness and a fight about the boys.
“It is not easy if you don’t get results. There is negativity and criticism and it can be hard.
“It is how you respond that is most important and they have always responded well.
“That gives you a chance and that’s why I’m delighted for the players and the supporters because they have suffered as well.”
But Potter, whose team face a tough trip to Burnley today, added: “We have not achieved anything yet. We have to carry on. But that result at Liverpool does give everybody a lot of pride.”
Brighton will also be without midfielder Davy Propper but could have Joel Veltman and Alexis Mac Allister back after both missed the Anfield triumph.