Goalkeeper Maty Ryan has spoken about Brighton’s defensive organisation and how he feels it suits the players at the club.
Having come close to keeping a third clean sheet of the campaign against Everton in the last game, Ryan told the Official Site that as he continues to adjust to life at the club, he has a growing confidence in how manager Chris Hughton sets us up to play to our strengths.
‘Defensively, I think that`s one of our strengths, to get back in our block and sit deep. I`ve realised that`s our identity as a team, that we are happy to sit back and let our centre-backs deal with any balls coming into the box.’
Ryan went on to say.
‘From that defensive shape, you can then get the ball and commit a few players forward. That pattern panned out in the first half and it`s what I`ve come to expect – absorb that pressure at the beginning, keep the defence solid and then work forward from there.’
With two saves of note deep into stoppage time against Everton, he was obviously delighted to have played his part.
‘Obviously, being a goalkeeper, you`ve got to contribute sometimes and thankfully in that moment I was able to be there. I`ve come to realise from my experiences, that when you`re just playing off your instincts, without thinking too much, that`s when things just flow and happen naturally. After my adaption phase at the beginning of the season, I`m getting more comfortable, I`m understanding my players more, and I think they`re understanding me. I`m growing into my role within the team and I`m just thankful to keep working with these bunch of guys and the coaching staff. I`m just really enjoying my football.’
With West Ham up next later this evening, obviously the aim will be another positive result and further improvement.
‘It`s a missed opportunity (Everton), and from my experience so far, you need to be picking up as many points as you can, especially here at home. It`s important to make your home a fortress, and we`ve done that, other than the City game at the start of the season, but we`ll look back on this game and think of two points lost.’
He added.
‘We take a lot of positives from the game also, but to take the lead and throw it away at the end is obviously disappointing. But we`ve got to move on, regroup and recuperate with the quick turn around before Friday`s game.’
