Hurzeler's post-Spurs reaction

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Head coach's thoughts after Saturday's game.

2025-09-20T17:45+01:00

Fabian Hurzeler greets Spurs' manager Thomas Frank before kick-off. 📷 James Boardman.

Fabian Hurzeler spoke to the media after Saturday's 2-2 draw against Spurs.

His reflections on the game: "Overall, I think it was an unlucky game for us. We started strongly in the first phase of the game. We created the chances. We scored two goals and then we get a little bit passive. We concede the first goal in an unlucky moment out of an unlucky situation.

"And then in the second half we had to defend, but we were still very dangerous after transition moments. After we conceded the second goal, I thought we showed a great reaction. We had a lot of energy on the pitch. We were trying to go for the win. We created the chances. So, overall, of course it doesn't feel great but I saw a lot of positives. [We made] good small steps in the right direction.

Georginio Rutter makes a sliding challenge. 📷 James Boardman

On bringing off Carlos Baleba at half-time and his performance: "He just felt tired. I think that everyone has to understand with Carlos that he's a very young player and he had unbelievable development in the last season and everyone expects him to keep pushing, keep going the same like it was last year, but he's a 20-year-old player. He needs time. His development is not linear and at the moment he seems to be in a small down, but I think it's very important to understand that he's not a machine.

Kaoru Mitoma at full stretch. 📷 James Boardman

"He's a very young, talented player. He needs help, he needs support from us. He needs the right environment. He tried everything today. He pushed but he only had 45 minutes in his body. And that's something we have to accept."

On Yasin Ayari’s dynamic display: "He comes every day on the training ground to be his best version and every time he plays he gives a great effort. Today he scored a goal, and he is getting more threat in the opponent's box. He is a quick learner. He's a great personality. He always asks for the ball. He never hides. He takes responsibility and I'm really happy for him."