Fabian Hurzeler Discusses Team Goals, Southampton Match, and Player Status

Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler addressed reporters in advance of Friday’s Premier League fixture against Southampton, scheduled for a 20:00 GMT kick-off at home. During his news conference, Hurzeler confirmed the return of Lewis Dunk and Tariq Lamptey to the squad. Ferdi Kadioglu’s participation is uncertain, but he stated that the remainder of the team “will stay the same”. Hurzeler admitted that his team would “have to suffer” when facing Southampton due to their playing style. He also indicated that the Saints’ display against Liverpool should serve as a “warning” to Brighton, stating: “This league is so intense, so competitive – there is no easy opponent.” When asked if their season’s start instilled confidence regarding European qualification, Hurzeler responded: “For me in life, not only football, it is so important to have clear targets and vision of where you want to go. It makes you promise never to give up and gives orientation to your work. Right now, it is about momentum. This momentum gives the players confirmation for their work.” He further elaborated: “You have to keep improving and developing this, focusing on the process and not the results. If you focus now on the results and say ‘wow, we are at the top of the table’, it won’t work. You have to keep focusing on the process, on performance and then long-term results will come.” Hurzeler described the red card issued to Carlos Baleba in the previous game as a “false decision” but acknowledged that they must “accept it.” He added: “What should I say to the player? He didn’t do a mistake with second yellow because it is not a second yellow. On the other side, I reflect on myself. Maybe I need to react earlier and say he is a young player, I need to protect him. That I need to take him out of game to make sure he is available for the next match.” Addressing rumors concerning a potential loan departure for Evan Ferguson, the Brighton manager stated he was unaware of the source of such information, affirming he is “happy Evan is here and he can help us in the next week.” He cited Igor Julio as an illustration for players not consistently in the starting lineup: “No one expected Igor to play that many games in this phase, but he always made sure he was ready for games and for the chance. He always trained hard, never complained, accepted his role and then when he got the chance he was there. That is the same thing I demand from the other players. Accept your role – never complain.” Regarding the prospect of moving to second place in the league standings, Hurzeler commented: “Honestly, I don’t watch the table, believe it or not. I try to focus on the process. It is repetition from my side, but I truly believe [it]. But it is confirmation for the players [and] the staff. They all buy into it and have impact on success. It is important for them to see that their hard work is leading to results.”