Fabian Hurzeler reflects on Albion's pre-season win over AS Roma

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The head coach was pleased with the level of energy and intensity in Saturday's 3-0 win.

Nick Szczepanik

2026-08-08T18:25+01:00

Fabian Hurzeler watches on at the Amex during Saturday's win over AS Roma 📸 by Paul Hazelwood

Head coach Fabian Hurzeler was pleased with the 3-0 victory over AS Roma in the pre-season friendly match at the Amex, but was unable to give a detailed update on the fitness of Yankuba Minteh, who had to be helped off with a leg injury in the second half.

“I think it was more than an exercise,” he said. “We took it quite seriously. I think also Roma took it quite seriously. In their pressing, we could see that they had really analysed us and they tried to make it difficult for us.

“But overall, I think we brought a lot of energy and intensity on the pitch. We controlled the game with a good structure. In possession, we scored goals, we defended well, so overall it was a good performance.”

Yasin Ayari scored twice as Albion beat AS Roma 3-0 📸 by Paul Hazelwood

Yasin Ayari added two goals to Georginio Rutter’s opener against a Roma side who finished third in last season’s Serie A, and Hurzeler noted that the scoring form the midfielder showed in Sweden’s opening match in the World Cup has continued.

“I think he took goals from the World Cup, so that was positive. Hopefully he doesn't shoot the goals now in pre-season and then in the season he stops doing these things.

“I think it's very important that he continues this behaviour on the pitch, this attitude, this mindset. He had a great World Cup, he has continued here with a great pre-season so far, so hopefully he just goes on like this.

“He's a great character, he helps the group a lot by being just very energetic and that's very important for this group.”

Yankuba Minteh is helped off in the second half 📸 by Paul Hazelwood

Minteh suffered a knock on the leg just short of the hour and although he limped back on to the field after treatment, he soon had to be helped back off.

“It seems to be a hit,” Hurzeler said. “Not particularly in the ankle area, a little bit higher.

So therefore, we have to wait how it continues, the pain, and how he progresses.

“Of course, it's not a great sign if a player has to go off because of pain, but we have to wait for the scan. In general, I'm a positive person, so let's stay positive and wait for the scan.”