GRAHAM POTTER says he cannot afford to listen to all competing opinions as it would drive him crazy as he strives to keep Albion in the Premier League.

Albion go to Bournemouth tonight just three points above the relegation zone and a point worse off than they were last season at the corresponding stage of the campaign under previous boss Chris Hughton.

Cherries have suffered ten defeats in past 12 Prem games. And their under pressure boss Eddie Howe yesterday spoke about “fighting back” and turning all their “energies against the world outside”.

Seagulls head coach Potter understands why Howe has taken such a stance.

Potter said: “I think every team in our situation, or any situation, has to not worry about the outside world because I have to listen to you guys (the media), and that’s a problem, with the greatest respect.

“If I am Eddie Howe, or Graham Potter, I would not listen to anybody from the outside.”

Potter has spoken previously about “external noise” as every result is dissected by media and fans.

But he also admits that the volume will be cranked up should Albion return empty-handed tonight and there is one simple way to protect his players from that.

He said: “You can win.” But added: “You have to accept it’s the Premier League, there is media opinion, there is media coverage, there is fans’ opinion and all that sort of stuff.

“This league is shown all over the world, there is great interest and that’s the nature of it.

“The culture is if you win you’re a success, if you lose then you’re a failure, so I am not going to change that.

“I have to accept that’s going to happen but from our perspective we have to focus on us, what we control, what we can do and how we can play.”

With parallels being drawn again between his own reign and Hughton’s progress at the same stage last season, the former Swansea boss admits he was not surprised Albion were tipped by some for the drop when he was appointed.

He said: “Some numpty from the Championship, tenth place, be careful what you wish for, that type of narrative and I can understand that of course.

“You are replacing a really respected guy who has done a fantastic job.

“I completely understand it, but I can’t listen to that. I’d be going insane wouldn’t I? Imagine? Listening to the opinion out there, whether it’s good or bad.

“Sometimes people say you’re great and you’re not so there’s no point listening to that either.”