MX23RW : Sunday, December 15 10:42:49| >> :120:71227:71227:

Graham Potter admits concerns over Brighton suspensions

Graham Potter admits concerns over Brighton suspensions
© Reuters
The Seagulls have had six red cards so far this season - more than any other club.

Brighton head coach Graham Potter admits he has some concerns over the negative impact suspensions are having on his squad.

Both Neal Maupay and captain Lewis Dunk are banned for Saturday's Premier League visit of West Ham having been sent off in last weekend's defeat at Wolves.

Those two dismissals, Maupay's coming after the final whistle as he remonstrated with the officials, means the Seagulls have had six red cards so far this season – more than any other club.

Brighton host West Ham having been assured of their survival following Burnley's win over Fulham earlier this week.

But asked if he is worried about the impact the number of suspensions are having, Potter replied: "Well, yes.

"I think you have to be concerned because that is a time when you have got players who are not available.

"For every player you lose, you have to find a solution and adjust the team.

"It is part of the game and in an ideal world we don't want it to happen but when you lose a player, whether it is through injury or suspension, the team has to readjust and that is where you can lose a little bit of performance.

"We have managed to navigate it pretty well but still, we can improve in that area."

Potter and the Brighton hierarchy are now able to prepare for a fifth successive season in the Premier League.

With three games remaining, they are also just four points off equalling their best points return since being promoted in 2017.

Potter was full of praise for how his side dealt with the tougher moments of their season and insists he does not anticipate a major overhaul of the squad this summer.

"We've got a good honest group who have stuck together," he added.

"We've had moments where we've struggled, but it's been dealt with in a calm, professional and honest way. You're not going to go through a season where everything is perfect and not have setbacks.

"It's how you deal with them and we've always done that. That means you can keep your points tally ticking over.

"One thing I would say is that I am happy with this group. It is not like I can sit here and say this group is at its maximum and they can't get better. They can and that is what is exciting for us.

"I am not desperate (for the transfer window to open) but the job of a football club when it does is to look and see ways to improve and strengthen the group. We will be no different at that time."

ID:447440: cacheID:447440:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:3816:
Written by
P A
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Brighton & Hove Albion manager Graham Potter pictured on February 27, 2021
Read Next:
Graham Potter wants Brighton to emulate West Ham success
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
6pm
Chiefs
@
Browns
6pm
Ravens
@
Giants
6pm
Jets
@
Jags
6pm
Cowboys
@
Panthers
6pm
Washington
@
Saints
6pm
Dolphins
@
Texans
6pm
Bengals
@
Titans
9.25pm
Colts
@
Broncos
9.25pm
Patriots
@
Cardinals
9.25pm
Buccaneers
@
Chargers
9.25pm
Steelers
@
Eagles
9.25pm
Bills
@
Lions
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool15113131131836
2Chelsea1594235181731
3Arsenal1686229151430
4Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest168442119228
5Manchester CityMan City158342721627
6Aston Villa167452425-125
7Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton156632522324
8Bournemouth157352320324
9Fulham166642422224
10Brentford157263128323
11Newcastle UnitedNewcastle166552321223
12Tottenham HotspurSpurs1562731191220
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd155461918119
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham155372028-818
15Everton153661421-715
16Leicester CityLeicester163582134-1314
17Crystal Palace152761420-613
18Ipswich TownIpswich162681628-1212
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1623112440-169
20Southampton1512121131-205


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!