Fabian Hurzeler: Aston Villa performance has set the standard

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Head coach looking for a repeat of Sunday's performance against Tromso on Thursday.

Nick Szczepanik

2026-08-27T06:30+01:00

Fabian Hurzeler and Pascal Gross faced the media before the second-leg tie against Tromso. 📷Paul Hazlewood

Albion’s UEFA Conference League second leg match against Tromso is finely balanced after last Thursday’s 0-0 draw in Norway, but head coach Fabian Hurzeler believes that the team will be confident after beating Aston Villa 4-0 on Sunday.

“It set the standards regarding intensity, regarding how we want to play in possession, out of possession, how we want to end the game,” he said. “Now it's very important to understand why this happened. Because we were brilliant in the basic things and I think that was crucial.

“Now we're looking ahead for the next big challenge against Tromso. Therefore, we have to do all the basic things again. We have to press like we pressed against Villa. We have to attack the box with a special desire. I think this will be crucial.

“It's a do-or-die game. We know we'll face a tough opponent with Tromso. We had it in the first game against them. A very disciplined team, a very compact defence. Therefore, we have to be ready for that.”

Hurzeler underlined the values behind the club’s success in recent seasons.

“I think it's important to understand as a player what you have here playing for a club like Brighton,” said Hurzeler. “You have a club that gives you the chance. You have a club and the teammates that are really trying to push you.

“You have a club that is there for you also in tough moments. We always try to help them. Teammates are there for them.

“So, I think it's also important for the players to understand what they have here with this club, like how the fans are connected, how we are working together. It's difficult to find a similar environment or a better environment for potential young players.”

He added: “It's part of the club's identity, developing young players. I always say to the players, if we are successful as a team, the individual will shine. If we are successful as a team, there will be attention on the individual players.