Why Jurgen Klopp has maximum respect for Brighton and Graham Potter

Finding the correct balance of sticking to your philosophy but also doing what's required to get a result is tricky dilemma for all Premier League football managers
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp praised the work of Graham PotterLiverpool manager Jurgen Klopp praised the work of Graham Potter
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp praised the work of Graham Potter

How many times over the years have you witnessed managers stubbornly persist with their way of playing only to see the team relegated?

It's a tricky balance as a certain style of play and identity can lead to disaster, but on the flip side changing the message half way through can bring confusion and players start to question the manager's authority.

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Brighton have adapted in recent matches and it appears to have worked as they are now nine points above the drop and within touching distance of Premier League safety.

Albion are clearly taking less risks on the pitch and interestingly, as their possession statistics have fallen, their points tally has increased.

Other than Manchester United, who have been tearing must defences to shreds of late, Graham Potter's men have looked far more difficult beat.

It doesn't necessarily mean that forward-thinking Potter has suddenly turned into a Sam Allardyce...but a more pragmatic approach has clearly helped.

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The fact Potter adjusted his style shouldn't be seen as a weakness, it was a case of needs must. On the whole, Brighton have been a good watch this season and they have already matched the points tally of last campaign with five matches to go.

On top of that, young players such as Steven Alzate, Aaron Connolly and Tariq Lamptey have all been given their chance to shine, while key signings Leandro Trossard, Neal Maupay, Adam Webster and Alexis Mac Allister have bedded in nicely.

Potter's rotation of players can frustrate home fans but few can argue this season has been a huge improvement. The mix of good football, a bit of pragmatism and a healthy team spirit hasn't gone unnoticed by Jurgen Klopp.

The Liverpool manager can see the change in Potter's Brighton and expects a tough encounter on Wednesday night at the Amex.

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"It's the biggest challenge in a managers life," said Klopp. "From the first matchday I saw Brighton changed a couple things. After lockdown they changed their approach.

"It is the biggest challenge in the life of a football manager to implement your ideas while needing to get results. A lot of respect for Graham Potter for what he is doing there.

"They are a really good football team what they have done in the last season is incredible. Implementing a proper football style. He is doing a really good job there.

"They changed their approach since lockdown. So we don't know exactly what we will face. We need to be ready for that.

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"It is always important in football. It is more a mindset. More than something you see on the pitch. It needs to be lively and fluid but patience is much more important."

Brighton fans have also had to be patient at times this year but Premier League safety is now so very close.

Potter and the players have had to be flexible and they have had to adapt but most importantly they stuck together.

And it's that team spirit that should keep them in the top flight and competing against the likes of Liverpool once again next season.

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“We still need to keep fighting all the way," Potter added. “We’ve taken seven points from four games after lockdown. It’s a decent return but we’re not celebrating the bigger picture. We know we’ve got a lot of work to do.”

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