By Tim Hodges from the Amex press conference
Gus Poyet told Brighton and Hove News this morning that he expects Albion fans to be patient with the team tomorrow night in their play-off semi final second leg at home to Crystal Palace.
He went on to say: “For the fans to create an unbelievable atmosphere is very important. There are moments in the games you are doing well and the fans they are there and can put on a little bit of pressure. Unconsciously the opposition (players) go a little bit down.”
The Albion boss went on to note how good the relationship was between the players and the fans and, rivalry aside, he didn’t think he really had to motivate the players or fans for an occasion such as this.
He said that he had no doubt that it was going to be incredible.
Poyet confirmed that the squad had a clean bill of health from Friday apart from a little tiredness. He was keen for the Albion to score first and would ensure the right players were on the pitch and the bench, considering that it could go to 120 minutes.
He revealed that the players trained yesterday (Saturday) in two groups – those who played on Friday and those who didn’t – but on Sunday they would train altogther.
Poyet said that he didn’t think the Albion were a predictable team which could cause the opposition problems. He was aware that Albion were not an easy team to play against.
Sparing a thought for ex-Albion striker Glenn Murray, Poyet said that he considered contacting the Palace striker who suffered an injury on Friday night but thinks it would be better to wait until after the second leg.
It was confirmed that Albion would be practising penalties but the manager made it clear that you could not replicate the pressure and the intensity of the moment.
