Potter sees a lotti to admire
CARLO ANCELOTTI has a secret admirer in Brighton’s Graham Potter, who believes the Italian’s people skills are second to none.
And the Seagulls boss claims the three-time Champions League winner’s rivals are all searching for the same successful formula.
Potter’s struggling side host Ancelotti’s Everton tonight with the two teams scrapping at different ends of the table.
But the Brighton manager revealed he is trying to follow in his opposite number’s footsteps when it comes to being a people person.
Potter said: “Ultimately we are in a people business.
“As much as I think of tactical answers, I’m also dealing with people and their frustrations and setbacks.
“The way my brain works, I don’t think I am at the same level as someone like Carlo, I just try to be as good as I can.
“He has a quiet leadership but he’s a really impressive character who’s had a huge influence on modern football and will go down as one of the great coaches.
“The more you read about him and how he works, the more it becomes evident. As a human being he has some fantastic qualities.
“He can deal with the pressure, the players, the media, the fans, the challenges at the highest end of the game.
“Carlo had a fantastic playing career and has become a wonderful coach and leader.
“He’s not the same as Jurgen Klopp, Pep Guardiola or Sir Alex Ferguson but they’re all really good at being themselves and I think that’s the lesson for everybody – how you manage individuals and the environment is so, so important.
“Sir Alex Ferguson is the best one that comes to mind – working with the people he did and creating an environment that was stimulating and challenging was the key.
“We’re all trying our best to get that formula. I don’t worry about comparisons but it is absolutely an honour to share a touchline with the people I do, and that’s going to be the same when I play against Everton and Carlo.
“They have invested well because they have big ambition. That doesn’t mean to say it’s an easy job for Carlo, but they’ll get stronger all the time he’s there.”