Hurzeler: We have to be ready for physical test against Brentford

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Albion return to Premier League action on Sunday against the Bees.

Luke Nicoli

2026-11-07T07:00+00:00

Fabian Hurzeler says good recovery is key ahead of Sunday's game against Brentford. 📷Paul Hazlewood

Fabian Hurzeler has revealed the challenges his side face by playing Conference League football on a Thursday night this season.

The Seagulls face Brentford in the Premier League on Sunday, having only touched down in Sussex on Friday lunchtime, following their late finish against Getafe in Spain the previous evening.

“We stayed one extra night because we couldn’t fly back that late, so we went back to the hotel for recovery, had a late dinner and then a late breakfast before travelling home,” Hurzeler said following the 1-0 win at the Estadio Coliseum. “We then did a recovery session at the training ground ahead of starting our preparation for Brentford on Saturday.

“I’m not sure if the body ever gets used to these kind of travels. It’s definitely a lot of travelling, but it’s something we can adapt to and manage quite well because we have a lot of great staff who take care of the players’ recovery and make things as smooth as possible.

“The most important thing is that we are mentally and physically ready for Sunday. That’s the responsibility of everyone, not only the players but the staff as well.”

Albion will be looking to extend their winning run to three successive games, against a high-flying Brentford side that Hurzeler believes will test his team in every aspect of the game.

“It will be a very physical game and completely different from Getafe," he said. "We know it’s a game of long balls. Brentford try to be very physical for the second ball and they have a clear style of play.

“We have to be ready for that physicality. Brentford are doing all these things at a really high level in the Premier League and they know how to win games.”

Sunday's fixture will also mark a welcome return to the Amex after five successive away games, and Hurzeler is looking forward to vociferous home support backing his team.

“We are looking forward to a very, very energetic atmosphere in the stadium, a loud atmosphere,” he added. “Our fans are like a 12th man for us and to play at the Amex has to give everyone a push. It has to give the fans a push and us a push. We are looking forward to playing in front of our fans again.”

On Thursday, Hurzeler made five changes made to the side that beat Manchester City in the Premier League last Saturday, and with players now returning from injury, he is delighted with the depth of his squad this season.

“It’s good to have this strength in the squad, this availability. We have plenty of games and we’re going to need every player.

“It’s been an intense period but after the weekend we have a few days off where we can rest. But for now we are fully focused on Brentford. That is our next challenge.”