Graham Potter is hoping for for a healthy Christmas and New Year – starting with his squad as they prepare to face Brentford. The Albion head coach wants no unpleasant surprises ahead of the Boxing Day evening clash at the Amex. Two Premier League games have already gone from Sunday’s programme with Liverpool v Leeds and Wolves v Watford postponed after requests from the away teams.
Graham Potter said: “I think we’ll have a couple not available but obviously we have a couple more days of testing to go so you never know. That was certainly our experience last week because last week we said four and by the time the game comes around we had more than four.”
Potter is happy to play on, despite talk of a possible postponement over Christmas. Managers and head coaches met to discuss player welfare yesterday.
Graham Potter said: “I don’t really think about it in terms of our situation. I think that’s short-sighted. I think you’ve got to think what’s the best thing, the right thing. The people to make that decision should be the league, the health experts. Some people will think they are better off in the moment, others will think that’s a shame. You just have to trust there is integrity, support it, and do your best to get on with it as best we can.”
Potter outlined his plan for the squad ahead of the Brentford game.
Graham Potter said: “We will train in the morning, get the guys in. As a father of three young lads, I am quite happy for a little bit of a break on Christmas Day. A chance to get out of the house. A nice excuse for me – although not too long. They will have the afternoon with the families and lunch. We will report on Boxing Day for the game. We might stay over in a hotel for some lunch and a rest to prepare for the match. That’s the plan for the game.”
