Graham Potter Brighton
Graham Potter says he hopes fans are not taken in by “false headlines” after speculation linking him with the Newcastle job.
Graham Potter said: “All it is is opinion. We live in a 24-hour news world. They have to fill it with something. A lot of it is not true. It’s just what it is. I feel a little bit for the supporters because they have to read speculation or they have to read false headlines that aren’t correct. But I think most people understand that’s just the world we’re in. It was probably less than a year ago that there was a lot of the opposite noise around whether you’re doing a good job, or whether it’s time to move on for me, that type of stuff. With football it can change quickly and I don’t pay too much attention to the noise from the outside. I don’t trust the positive noise that much and I don’t get too carried away if it’s negative. Like I said, this time last year – probably even less – I’m answering questions about whether I have the support of the board.”
Potter has received regular plaudits this term after guiding Brighton to 14 points from seven fixtures – their best start to a Premier League campaign. Current form is in stark contrast to last year when the Seagulls won just two of their opening 18 top-flight fixtures. Albion are two points below table-topping Chelsea – and could have had those points at home to Arsenal in their most recent fixture.
Graham Potter said: “From a points perspective, we’ve done well this year so far but we’ve (only) played seven matches. This time last year we’d played seven matches and probably our performances were as good as they are now. The difference is we’ve got the points. And obviously we’re in a world where it’s quite simplistic. If you win, you’re good. If you lose, you’re bad. With that in mind, you just have to try and be consistent, try and be calm, try to do your job the best you can and not to listen to the noise from the outside.”
The Albion boss was linked with Toon by a national newspaper amid reports Steve Bruce’s position is under threat after a buyout at St James’ Park. However, The Argus reported on Monday that those who follow Newcastle the closest on Tyneside had heard no suggestions he was on the new owners’ list to take over. That all flared midway through the international fortnight which is now drawing to an end. As attention returned to the Premier League, Potter was asked about the purported Toon interest during his press conference relevant to tomorrow’s match at Norwich.
