Brighton's stars were gobsmacked when they learned Graham Potter was leaving for Chelsea — because just an hour earlier he’d taken centre stage in the Seagulls’ official 2022-23 team photo.
Solly March said: “It was a bit of a shock. I don’t think anyone saw it coming and it happened so quick. We had a team photo and then we were having lunch and watching Sky Sports News, and they said, Potter’s going to Chelsea’. It was about an hour later.
“So it was a bit of a shock for everybody and perhaps that’s why it took a couple of weeks to bed in with Roberto. Not many managers leave when you’re fourth in the league, which is where we were when Graham left.
“The first three games under Roberto, we lost two and drew one, so it took a while, but now he has set his way of playing to us. At first it took us a bit of time to get used to it, but everyone 100 per cent believes in him and that is showing, everyone loves playing for him.”
March was at the forefront with two of Brighton ’s three goals against Liverpool a fortnight ago as Roberto De Zerbi’s men ran the Reds ragged.
But don’t try telling the winger his side are favourites to beat Jurgen Klopp’s men when they meet again in the FA Cup fourth round today because he just won’t believe you.
“We didn’t think we would be able to beat Liverpool that well and that easily, in a way,” said the 28-year-old. “We know it’s not going to be the same in this game.
“They are going to want to come and give us some payback, and show us how good they really are. Someone said people were saying we were favourites for the game but I don’t see how that’s possible.
“Whenever we play Liverpool, they’re favourites. We’re going into it knowing we will have to be 100 percent to get anything from it.”
March has scored four goals in his last five league games and chipped in with two assists. And such is his form that many observers believe he is playing at as close to 100 percent as he has at anytime in his career.
He would contest that but, still, with the Seagulls flying high in the Premier League, he is loving life under Roberto De Zerbi. He added: “The gaffer sets the example every day. He tells us how hard he wants us to work.
“The details he wants from every pass and every touch, that really helps. Him driving us forward. I’ve always said that when I get a run of games in a set position, I play my best football and that shows this year.
“I’ve cemented my place in the team and it’s showing on the pitch. I’ve had times where I’ve played almost as well as I’m playing, or even better.
“But it seems it’s just goals that propel you to the next level. It’s a stat-base game, I guess. Since those goals people have been talking about me a lot more.”
March has been at Brighton since joining the academy in 2011, although he might never have ended up there had he not fainted the day before a trial with Newcastle.
He said: “It didn’t go well. I remember looking round and the next day I was meant to train, but I passed out in the car and didn’t get to do it. It was definitely nerves.
“It’s just the way I am as a person. It was a big step. Thinking of moving away to Newcastle if it went well, maybe it was too much for me at that age. Going home, maybe I thought, ‘That’s my chance gone. What’s going to happen? Do you only get one chance?
“But, luckily enough, Brighton came in. If I’d signed for Newcastle, I don’t think it would have gone as well so maybe it was a blessing in disguise.”
