Brighton boss Graham Potter responds to links with Everton manager’s job after Rafa Benitez’s sacking

Graham Potter has insisted that he is ‘very happy’ at Brighton and Hove Albion after being linked with the Everton job.

Potter is said to be one candidate being considered to succeed Rafa Benitez in the Goodison Park hot seat.

‘I’m focused on my job here’

Benitez was sacked by the Toffees on Sunday amid a lacklustre run of just one victory in 13 matches.

A 2-1 loss at relegation-threatened Norwich culminated in the Spaniard’s exit.

Potter is highly regarded in football and is carrying out a magnificent at Brighton.

He’s guided the Seagulls to ninth spot in the Premier League this season and they’re in the mix to challenge for Europe.

But Potter stressed that he’s very focused on his job at the Amex Stadium.

Speaking ahead of Brighton’s game against Chelsea tomorrow, Potter said: “It’s not nice when someone loses their job.

“I only met Rafa when we played Everton. I don’t know him that well but he comes across a real gentleman and I wish him well.

“I can’t comment on speculation, on things that are out there in the newspapers.

“I’m focused on my job here, very happy here at, in my opinion, one of the best-run football clubs in the Premier League, with a fantastic owner, chairman, CEO, sports director.

“Great people at the club, a nice environment to work in, an ambitious club, so I just get on with my job here and do my best.

“It’s just, I suppose, the speculation or people want to write something. I’m at a really good football club that help me.

“I’m not here because I’m that good, it’s because I’m at a good club and I have good support, good people around me and people who allow me to do my job, give me support and trust. These things are important.

“There is an organisation around the club. We’re not as good as people think, we’re probably not as bad as people think as well when things aren’t going so well, but then you can’t help what people write or put out there.”

Who will be Everton’s next manager?

Roberto Martinez is the current favourite to land the vacant job.

He served as Everton manager from 2013-1 and is currently in charge of the Belgium national team.

Former Toffees striker Wayne Rooney is also in the reckoning.