Hurzeler: We showed our true selves

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Head coach reflects on Albion's 2-0 win at Brentford.

Bruce Talbot

2026-02-21T17:40+00:00

Fabian Hurzeler finished Saturday in 12th spot in the Premier League. 📸 by James Boardman.

Fabian Hurzeler felt Albion showed ‘their true selves’ after winning 2-0 at Brentford.

First-half goals by Diego Gomez and Danny Welbeck sealed a first Premier League win since 2 January which lifted Albion up to 12th in the table.

The head coach praised both the performance and the unity shown by his players.

“It is a better feeling,” Hurzeler said. “I’m proud of the team and very happy for the supporters. They waited for the win so I am happy for them. In the second half we had to defend a lot but overall we deserved this victory, we showed our true selves.

Albion’s efficiency in decisive moments proved crucial, something the head coach has been urging from his players in recent weeks. “We scored goals and were there in the right moments,” he said. “The key detail was we scored and defended the key parts of the game in the right way.”

James Milner battles to win a loose ball. 📷James Boardman

The head coach has consistently backed his squad during Albion's difficult spell, and he praised their mentality. “They always had positivity, they always stick together. You just have to put this kind of energy on the pitch. I always know what we are capable of. I am a positive guy and try to give positivity to the group.”

It was a day to remember for James Milner, who broke the Premier League record with his 654th appearance.

“He was the leader, he communicated, he has a good understanding of the game, he is reliable. He waited long for this moment and we are happy for him," said Hurzeler.

"Not only for his experience but also quality. Milly was one of the best in training and I keep saying ‘If you train well and keep pushing you will get the chance.'

“He always puts the team first, always puts the club first. He is not only a role model on the pitch but beside the pitch. He gives everything — I can never remember a day he didn’t give 100% effort. He is a role model.”

Hurzeler was equally pleased with Albion’s overall game management. “We stuck together, played really good football in the first half, controlled the game and scored in the right moments. That’s what we were missing in recent weeks. The group had a great desire today and really good positioning.

“I spoke about managing the key moments and managing the game. We had a lot of experienced players on the pitch who know how to do that.”