Hurzeler: We should be proud of our achievement

Main Club Sponsor

TICKETS

SHOP

Head coach reflects on leading Albion into Europe for the second time in our history.

2026-05-24T19:40+01:00

Fabian Hurzeler thanks the fans in the North Stand after securing European football. 📷James Boardman.

Is it a case of congratulations on achieving European football or disappointment at what happened in the game? What is your emotion after that?

"I think mixed feelings. On the one side, it the worst timing for that kind of performance. On the other side, when you reflect on the season, then it's definitely an achievement because we are Brighton. We are now in Europe for the second time.

“I think it's very important to remember where we came from and to see our development in the last years, to see the players working hard to improve. The club always tries to find small steps where we can get the most from everyone. I see the daily business of the players, I see how hard they're working for this achievement, and that's why I think it's another milestone in the history of this club. It's another great individual achievement by the players, and therefore we should be proud of the overall season."

And for you in particular, was qualification for Europe something that you were determined to do as Roberto De Zerbi did before?

"I don't try to replicate the achievements from the coaches here before, because Roberto De Zerbi was a great coach for Brighton. He achieved unbelievable things with this club and he set the base, the foundation for all the success that we could have in the last two years. We finished last season eighth. We finished eighth this season and that shows that we are consistent in the area where we can challenge the establishment, and that's also what we should do in the coming years."

Despair for Solly March after his shot was saved by Senne Lammens. 📷James Boardman

Can you put your finger on that performance when there was so much at stake?

"It's difficult to find one particular reason why we had this performance. I think overall we started well. We created moments, then of course there was one corner, and then we conceded the first goal. And I think the bad thing from us was that we didn't react well to the goals we conceded. We didn't stay in our structure. We tried to react to things and normally we stay calm and we try to stick to our game. That's what I didn't expect from us. It was the worst timing for this kind of performance but in two or three days, after I reflect on everything and after I calmed down a little, then I will try to see the positives, and there are also plenty of positives from this season.”

Europa Conference League is a new thing for you. What do you make of that?

"It's another great opportunity to prove how far we are as a team to make the next step. Of course, it's a new experience. We will face different teams, but we have to face this opportunity with a lot of positivity, with a great togetherness, with a good work ethic, and then we see what happens and where it takes us."

Q: How much are you looking forward to expanding this squad a little bit and taking that next step?

"It's important now to analyse the squad, to get an understanding of what was good, what was bad and what we need, where we need to improve. We have some contracts running out, so there will be a lot of planning for the next season. But we are a well-structured club. I really trust Tony Bloom and Paul Barber, Mike Cave and Jason Ayto that we will do the right steps and what is important for the club. I'm looking forward to this challenge."