Hurzeler: We dedicate the win to Alfie

Head coach reflects on win over Wolves, which he dedicates to our kitman Buzz's son, Alfie, who recently had brain surgery.

Bruce Talbot

2026-05-09T17:45+01:00

Fabian Hurzeler's team's victory saw them move onto 53 points from 36 games. 📸 by James Boardman.

You do tactical work all week and then you score after 35 seconds. Does that throw your team's plans out the window?

"We didn't practice this! I think it's about attitude, having the right mindset, having the right approach towards the game and we saw it the whole week. We had a good intensity. We had good energy in the training sessions. We looked intense, sharp and we had the whole week in the right spot. We had a great start in the game and it definitely helped to control and dominate the game. In the first half we played good football, intense football. In the second half we got a little bit sloppy, but we kept trying to score another goal. Overall I was pleased with how they worked together as a team to keep the clean sheet. In possession, we can play better football with better qualities in individual actions, but we take the win and now we have to focus on the next game.

What was the thinking behind having Max De Cuyper in at full-back and how do you see him this season?

I really want to give a lot of praise to Maxim because he's always there. He's always training intensely. He never gives up. He didn't have an easy season, but what he's showing in training regarding effort, togetherness, putting your own ego behind the team, that's just impressive. Today I'm really happy for him because he is getting the rewards for all the hard work he's doing for himself but also for this club and for the team. We know that he has a special left foot, a special quality and today he proved it to everyone. Hopefully he can keep going like this.

We want to be offensive. We play at home. We want to score goals. We want to create chances and I think that Maxim has a really good quality with his left foot that can help us. And on the other side, he just deserves it because he's working so hard and waiting very patiently for his moment.

Lewis Dunk was the 19th different Brighton player to score in the Premier League this season— no team has more. That must be satisfying regarding togetherness?

That's a nice statistic. Also for Lewis I’m very happy because he put a lot of effort into set pieces. We try to keep going regarding set pieces, trying to get the rewards out of it. I was pleased with how it was today. The goal came a little bit late from Lewis, who I expected to do it quite earlier in the season because he's really known for his quality with headers. But better late than never. Hopefully he can keep going now.

There was a big reaction when Kaoru pulled up. What's the early news on that?

We have to wait for the scan, and then we can clarify it. Of course, it didn't look great, but I'm a positive person and I stay positive regarding it. It looked like a hamstring injury, but let's wait if it's an injury or not.

Can you talk about Jack Hinshelwood’s progress in his number ten role and his intelligence to get into those positions?

He has a really good understanding of the game, a really good feeling for being in the right position and right place. The main bit is just his desire to score, how he attacks the opponent's box. Of course, now he's getting the reward, but also all the games before he was always a threat. It's about doing these runs all the time. He's a player who keeps going. With those kind of runs he not only gives himself the chance to score but he also creates a lot of space for his teammates. In my opinion, he makes his teammates better by his positioning, by his desire to score and by his desire to run in behind.

Did you know about the celebrations from Lewis Dunk and Yankuba Minteh for your kit man?

I definitely knew it. I think it's another prime example of the togetherness in this club. Our kit man, Buzz, who's doing an incredible job, has a son Alfie who had brain surgery recently. Now he's in rehab, he's really fighting hard to get back on track. If Buzz and his family can see this then this win is for you. Get back stronger and all the best.

Two local guys getting on the score sheet must be a nice feeling for the manager?

It's definitely a great feeling. It shows that we want young players - for example, Jack who went through all the academy ages, and then Lewis is another one. He's a Brighton kid. I'm really pleased that they are scoring today, that they perform well and they are there when we need them. They are standing for the values of the club and therefore I'm really happy to work with them.

It must be nice when you sign a new contract that your players put in that kind of performance?

I'm not sure this was the message of this game, but overall I'm very pleased and proud of what we achieved in the last two years. I know that it's not a one-man show. I know that I need a strong team beside me with strong personalities and therefore I'm really happy working with this group of players. I'm really happy working with these leaders, with the staff members, so I'm looking forward to the future and what is waiting for us, because I think it can be very exciting and very bright.