Leeds fans react as Brighton boss Graham Potter looks to reduce pressure on Ben White

Brighton manager Graham Potter has looked to reduce the pressure on defender Ben White during his pre-Chelsea press conference – as per TeamTalk – and Leeds fans have reacted on Twitter to his latest comments on the defender.

Rewind to the beginning of the 2019-20 season, White joined Leeds on a season-long loan from Brighton as a relative unknown to replace Pontus Jansson. He played every single one of Leeds’ 49 matches, becoming a fan favourite.

The Whites tried with numerous reported bids to land White on a permanent basis but none met Brighton’s asking price. He has since signed a new deal with the Seagulls, and could make his Premier League debut on Monday night.

Ahead of the Premier League opener at home to Chelsea, Potter discussed the hype surrounding White following his stunning displays in a Leeds shirt that saw him earn a place in the PFA Championship Team of the Season.

“He’s making a step from the Championship to the Premier League,” Potter said, as per TeamTalk. “We know there will be some ups and downs for him. He’s valued at £25million-plus because that’s how it is.

“And, if you sign a £25millon player, all of a sudden everybody gets very excited. It’s not just as easy as that, unfortunately. He’s a new player for us, a player that’s come from outside our group last year and he’s given a different dynamic to the group.”

Leeds have since signed Robin Koch, a Germany international from Bundesliga side Freiburg, to replace the loss of White. Koch endured a difficult debut, conceding a penalty in a 4-3 defeat to Premier League champions Liverpool.

Leeds fans responded to Potter’s comments about White on Twitter, with many frustrated by the Seagulls for failing to sanction a permanent move for the defender to return to Elland Road. One fan claimed Potter is “getting his excuses in early”.

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