Graham Potter Brighton
Frustrated not to win the game?
“We’re frustrated with just the one point. I thought the application of the players and the attitude of the players was fantastic, and I really enjoyed how they went about their work against a good opponent, an opponent that make it difficult for you. They attack quick and defend well. I thought in the first half we got Raheem into some good one-vs-one situations and created some opportunities, but they got some blocks in. We scored a good goal, and in the period we didn’t control it as well as we had, we concede which is disappointing, but it can happen at this level. And then our response was really good. Their keeper has made a couple of saves, and we needed that second goal, but it didn’t come. We’re disappointed with one point.”
You can already see a difference to the end of Thomas Tuchel’s time, the players worked their socks off…
“They gave everything. We’ve only got a point, and we’re disappointed with that, but I was very proud of how they acted today. It’s not been easy for them either with the change of coach and everything that comes with that, but their response has been brilliant. They’ve acted really, really well: professional, honest, responsible. So from an effort perspective, it was 100% there. Quality to get their often was good against a good opponent. We have to credit them for how they defended and how they create chances to attack us. But we managed it quite well for the period of the game, and as I said, their goalkeeper has made some good saves, and we just lacked that little bit to get the second goal.”
How would you describe the system you were playing tonight?
“It was a back three as far as I was concerned with Reece and Raheem giving us the width. Salzburg are very strong in the middle with their 4-3-1-2, so it’s not easy to play through the middle of the pitch. We wanted to get some dangerous width, and Reece and Raheem were that. They were more full-backs in the lateral positions and then midfield players. I thought we got Raheem into some good situations and Reece as well down that side. Mason, too and we scored a good goal. Then they defended well, blocked, and their goalkeeper made some good saves. We can improve as well, but like I said, how the boys approached the game, I am really, really happy.”
With Raheem Sterling playing as a wing-back, does that come with risks and rewards?
“Well, there is that possibility, but you have to organise around that as you don’t want Raheem really defending in his box too often, and I don’t think he did. I think Marc Cucurella managed the situation quite well. I can’t remember too many opportunities they had down that side. Whatever you do, there’s always a plus and a minus, but we were at home, and we wanted to be on the front foot and get some attacking ideas in those positions. Raheem is really good at attacking a backline and scored a fantastic goal. I thought he was really good in the game. Reece balances it off a little bit, and we can still defend in a four if we need to, so that was the thinking.”
It’s one point from six in the group, and Milan is to come in the next two games. Are you on the back foot in the group?
“We can’t lie, it’s not the position we want to be in, but we have to respond. It’s as simple as that. It’s going to be a tough group, I think, but there is enough quality in the team and squad that we can respond, and we have to look forward to those two games.”
You’ve come to a club that is founded on winning. Are you a statement from the club’s ownership that the culture is changing?
“We still understand where we are. We understand the demands of this football club, and as I said, I believe in an environment, culture and helping people improve, but we also know we have to win as well and be competitive, so nothing changes in that regard. We are the start of a process with a group of staff and a group of players. I can only comment on the response we had, which has been really good, and I am looking forward to working, making this team competitive, and one the supporters are proud of.”
Do you get the sense it will take some time for the players to adapt?
“I’ve been very positive with the players, their response, attitude, intelligence. They are top players and are working hard for each other. There is a nice spirit in the group, but they are disappointed because results haven’t gone as well as they’d like, which is normal, and you can feel that disappointment and frustration. But it’s my job to help them get the results they want, that we all want. Today is not the best start in terms of points for us but in terms of how we acted on the pitch as a group, lots of positives.”
