Hurzeler delighted with Albion's 'great reaction'

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A week after losing 7-0, Albion bounced back to knock Chelsea out of the FA Cup.

Bruce Talbot

2025-02-08T23:00+00:00

Fabian Hurzeler greets Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca. 📷 Paul Hazlewood.

Fabian Hurzeler praised his players for a ‘great reaction’ as they knocked Chelsea out of the Emirates FA Cup.

After going behind in just the fifth minute, goals from Georginio Rutter and Kaoru Mitoma sealed a 2-1 win at the Amex and a place in Monday’s fifth-round draw.

Hurzeler said, “It was a great reaction – we bounced back after a tough week. The guys showed real character, especially after the tough start.

“I learned another sentence today: ‘Just what the doctor ordered.’

“It’s not easy to come back and to play with this intensity, and to play also in possession with that courage.

Carlos Baleba produced another all-action midfield display. 📷 Paul Hazlewood.

"And I think it was a great win well deserved. It was a great feeling to hear the [victory] song at the end again, to see the fans supporting and cheering the team and enjoying the win.

“I think it was a win of togetherness. Not only we as a team but the fans were great today.”

Albion produced the ideal response to last week’s 7-0 loss to Nottingham Forest. Hurzeler said the secret was not panicking to that result.

“I think it's important to stay calm and not overreact," he added. "On evenings like this you shouldn't be too afraid. But when you have bad losses like last weekend, you shouldn't fall into panic. I think it's very important to not overreact, to stay grounded, find the right solutions and keep working.”