THIS is why Graham Potter’s stock is on the up – even though he has a "worse" managerial record than sacked Tottenham Hotspur manager Nuno Espirito Santo.
Spurs parted ways with their manager this week after 17 games in charge following his appointment in the summer.
In those matches, Espirito Santo won nine games, drew once and lost seven.
In the same time period, Brighton and Hove Albion manager Graham Potter won fewer matches.
In the previous 17 matches in all competitions - excluding pre-season- Potter led Albion to seven wins, six draws and four defeats.
Despite winning two fewer matches, Potter has guided Albion to their best ever start to a Premier League campaign - and was even rumoured to be a potential replacement at Tottenham.
During this time, Potter has taken Albion to eighth in the current Premier League standings – one point and one position ahead of Tottenham.
After ten league games this season, Albion have scored 11 goals, conceding the same amount.
In comparison, Nuno’s Tottenham scored nine and conceded 16.
Potter’s side have also kept more clean sheets, completed more passes and had more shots on target than Spurs.
This is all despite spending less than Tottenham in the transfer window, as well as losing players like Ben White.
In a recent interview with The Argus, Potter admitted he has been inspired by other manager’s tactics.
He highlighted Pep Guardiola's Barcelona team among others as a side he used to watch for inspiration.
“When I was younger it was Pep Guardiola's Barcelona team, they were a fascinating watch,” he said.
“I also followed Roberto Martinez when he was at Swansea and before he went to Wigan, because I was friends with his assistant."
The manager also said he was inspired by former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson during his days on the pitch, rather than on the touchline.
The final straw in the Espirito Santo’s tenure at Spurs was the club's 3-0 defeat to Manchester United at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday.
Former Chelsea head coach Antonio Conte was announced as the North London side’s new boss on Tuesday.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel