Graham Potter calls for unity at Brighton as relegation pressure heats up

Brighton and Hove Albion head coach Graham Potter

Defeat against their relegation rivals increases pressure on Graham Potter’s team who are now just two points above the Premier League drop zone.

Brighton are without a fixture this weekend following their FA Cup exit to Sheffield Wednesday at the start of the month.

They return to league action on February 1 at fellow strugglers West Ham before a home clash against lowly Watford on February 8 and desperately require points from both.

“That’s the challenge,” said Potter speaking after Bournemouth. “My responsibility is to help us do that. There is no shortage of effort. We have to stick together, we have to find solutions.

“Nobody said it would be easy in this league but we’re disappointed because for the first 30 minutes tonight (Bournemouth) I felt we were in control.

“We have to learn and be better than that.”

Albion are also keeping their options open during the January transfer window. Speculation had linked skipper Lewis Dunk with a move to Chelsea, while striker Glenn Murray may also depart in search of more regular first team football.

Midfielder Aaron Mooy could turn his season-long loan deal into a permanent arrangement but Potter remained coy on any potential incomings.

“We are always active and always looking,” added the head coach. “But getting the right person in to help us is always the question.

“But as we can see from the game (Bournemouth) we have to improve the players we have here as well.”

One piece of good news this week was Dan Burn’s contract extension. The 6ft 7in defender, who is currently recovering from a fractured collar bone, agreed new terms that will see him through to 2023.

Burn said, “It was a nice surprise to hear that the club were going to offer me a new contract after I’d picked up the injury because it shows that they have faith in me.

“This time last year I probably would have laughed if someone had told me how well things would go for me since the start of the season.

“I always believed I had the ability to play in the Premier League and I just needed a chance. I’m very grateful for the opportunity I’ve been given and want to keep working hard.”