Reaction: Fabian Hurzeler on securing European football again

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Head coach gives his thoughts after Thursday's 4-0 win over Tromso.

2026-08-27T22:20+01:00

Fabian Hurzeler is delighted to bring European football back to the Amex after Albion beat Tromso 4-0 to seal their place in the UEFA Conference League. 📷James Boardman

Fabian Hurzeler reflected on the 4-0 win over Tromso on Thursday as Albion reached the group stages of the UEFA Conference League.

Your team got an early goal. How much do you think that helped the side produce such a dominant performance?

"The early goal is always helpful, and I think we had a very professional approach today. Credit to the players because they pressed intensely and won a lot of personal duels.

"They forced Tromso into mistakes, and we kept another clean sheet.

"We maintained high standards in and out of possession and scored some nice goals. The approach we had was the key to the success. On top of that, early goals help, so overall, it was a very satisfying performance."

How excited are you now that the team have secured their place in the Conference League group phase, and you've got potentially some really big nights at the Amex and trips abroad?

"I'm very happy for the whole club and everyone involved in that journey.

"On top of that, I'm very happy for the players and the fans. They created another great atmosphere here tonight.

"It was very energetic and special, so thanks to the fans for that.

"We are very grateful for this opportunity to play in Europe. We know it will be a big challenge we have to face, but we seem to be ready.

"The key will be maintaining these standards and this intensity in the Premier League, but also in Europe. Hopefully, we are prepared for that. We will try to give our best, go game by game, and see what happens."

There was no Jack Hinshelwood tonight. Can you explain what his injury is, and how confident are you that he'll be ready for Chelsea?

""He had a small issue in training yesterday, so we have to go day by day with him and see how it progresses over the next few days. I can't give you a clear schedule for when he will be back. It could be a really short thing, or it could be a few days longer. Let's see how he presents himself, and then we can make a decision.

You brought Matt O’Riley in tonight for his first start in a year. How did you think he did?

"First of all, I wouldn't say the injuries forced this decision. We still had other opportunities to replace Jack. It was a decision made because Matt deserved it through good training sessions and how he presents himself as a player, a person, and a team player.

He had a really good approach today. It isn't easy coming into the team for such a big, important game for the club, but he did his job well.

"He struggled at the end with the physicality, but he sacrificed a lot for the team, and I really want to emphasise that because it's what we need here and what we all appreciate.

"Let's see what we decide regarding his future, but overall, I'm happy to have him."