Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler has distanced himself from talks of securing European soccer forward of the midweek Premier League motion.
The Seagulls are climbing the desk after choosing up a powerful win in opposition to Southampton on Saturday and now sit simply three factors in opposition to sixth-placed Bournemouth, who they face on Tuesday.
However the German refused to take a position on whether or not his facet may return to Europe with a powerful run to the tip of the season.
Talking forward of the sport, he mentioned: “While you win video games, there’s at all times an excellent environment. We’re grateful it’s like this nevertheless it’s laborious work. We have to hold the momentum and perceive why now we have this momentum.
“I by no means look an excessive amount of on the desk. You possibly can solely affect the way you play. On the finish of the season, you possibly can take a look at the desk. However in the intervening time, it’s sport by sport and making an attempt to get the most effective efficiency out of the gamers.
“The important thing factor at this membership is creating younger gamers and the group. We had a number of new signings after we began. Now it’s about having inside objectives on the place we need to go. We’ll see what occurs on the finish of the season, nevertheless it’s too early to speak about reaching Europe. We have now to attend for the proper second to speak about it.”
Our boss. 💛💙 pic.twitter.com/8JubGwsV9o
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) February 23, 2025
Cherries on the town
Brighton have an enormous alternative to attract degree on factors with their European rivals when Bournemouth go to the Amex.
The Seagulls have a worse objective distinction to their opponents, which means a win couldn’t raise them into sixth relying on different outcomes however it might put them proper within the combine.
However Andoni Iraola’s facet have been one of many surprises of the season in 2024-25 and on their day can match any Premier League membership.
Hurzeler is conscious of this and admits it’s tough to know what to anticipate from them.
He added: “It’s tough to create a match plan in opposition to Bournemouth nevertheless it’s tough to try this for any of the golf equipment within the league. Bournemouth are very clear within the model they play.
“They’re very intense. Will probably be a problem for us to compete in opposition to them and we should be mentally and bodily on the best degree to be prepared for them.
“However we can do it as a result of now we have proved it within the final weeks. We have now to maintain the requirements and to enhance to be prepared for the problem in opposition to Bournemouth.
“Dango Ouattara, Antoine Semenyo and Justin Kluivert are all very quick and athletic. They’re all superb in transitions. However we have to attempt to keep away from these transition moments.”
This duo. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/aoS8kYQiEc
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) February 22, 2025
Pedro energy
If Brighton are to win, they might want to depend on the standard of Joao Pedro, who’s lastly coming again into type.
The Brazilian netted the opener in opposition to Southampton and can doubtless get the nod to begin once more in such an vital match.
Hurzeler mentioned of his striker: “Joao is a participant who at all times has the self-confidence. He is aware of he can determine the sport with one motion. He not solely has that considering, but additionally the standard and expertise to do it as he has confirmed final week.
“It’s extra vital for me how he behaves as a staff participant and he proved final week he was at all times there for his team-mates. It confirmed me he’s actually dedicated to this membership and desires to be the staff participant that everybody needs him to be.
“I’m very glad that he has come again on the pitch and deserves what he will get due to his behaviour, his perspective in coaching and naturally, his high quality.”