Brighton Manager Hurzeler Discusses Squad Updates, Wieffer’s Injury Status, and Team Performance Ahead of Brentford Match

Fabian Hurzeler, Brighton’s manager, addressed reporters ahead of Friday’s Premier League fixture against Brentford, scheduled for a 19:30 GMT kick-off. The main points from his press conference are detailed below. Adam Webster and Solly March are potential inclusions in Friday’s matchday squad. Hurzeler expressed hope that Mats Wieffer’s leg injury “is not too serious,” and confirmed that all other players emerged from Saturday’s game without injury. Jan Paul van Hecke, who sustained an accidental kick to the head from teammate Carlos Baleba, “has some swelling but will be fine.” Hurzeler stated that “we try to improve the players with every training session,” noting the use of distinct coaches for defensive and offensive aspects. Addressing the team’s five-game winless streak, he commented: “We train a lot, we continue to train a lot. It is not a case of because we are not scoring a lot we train more.” Discussing recent form further, Hurzeler remarked: “We see this [the game against Brentford] as an opportunity to get out of this circle of bad experiences. We need to try to play with more intensity and give the supporters a present.” Regarding Brentford, he observed: “They are really intense. They focus on things they can influence. For example, kick-off is a chance to score. A set-piece is a big chance to score. They really take care of small details.” He indicated that the team “have to prepare for both” a back four or five formation, given Thomas Frank’s regular tactical adjustments to his side. Defender Veltman performed “quite good” in the West Ham match, with Hurzeler noting: “You already see his impact on the team.” Concerning Joel Veltman and Tariq Lamptey, both of whom have contracts expiring at the end of the current season, Hurzeler stated: “There are some things we have to discuss internally and they will stay internal.”