Fabian Hurzeler: 'We weren't at our highest level'

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Head coach praises Jablonec after Thursday's goalless draw in the UEFA Conference League.

Bruce Talbot

2026-10-22T21:45+01:00

Fabian Hurzeler was unhappy with Albion's work in the final third. 📷James Boardman

Fabian Hurzeler admitted his side weren’t at their highest level as they were held to a goalless draw by FK Jablonec.

The home side, currently seventh in the Czech League, defended well and in the closing stages had opportunities in transition to score as Albion, who made eight changes from Sunday’s 5-0 win over Crystal Palace, failed to find the target for the first time this season.

“We didn't play at our highest level. I think Jablonec defended well, but overall of course it's not the result we wanted,” Hurzeler said.

“If you play 0-0 then you didn't create enough, so that's definitely something where we have to get better. We have to understand what it means to play in this cup. We have to understand that we have to be brilliant at the basics, and we weren't good at the basics. A little bit of precision in the last action was missing.”

Matt O'Riley brings the ball under control. 📷James Boardman

Despite dominating territory and implementing their usual attacking patterns, the Seagulls struggled to break down a resilient Czech defence.

“We had a lot of ball possession. We had a lot of crosses, a lot of patterns, a lot of play around their box,” he added. “In the end we have to give also credit to Jablonec, how they defended. We weren't clean enough in the final third, our last action was missing, and therefore we couldn't score a goal.”

Hurzeler noted that the home side’s tactical setup was different from their recent performances against Glasgow Rangers and Freiburg.

“I said before they are a good team. Of course, they changed their formation. I think the games before they didn't play with a back five. We didn't expect that they would go this deep against us. But we have to give credit to them. They played a good game and were a difficult opponent.”

“Of course we always learn. It's important to take things away from this game and try to improve it in the next game.”