Talking points from Fabian Hurzeler's pre-Brentford press conference

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Head coach faced the media on Friday ahead of our trip to the Gtech Stadium.

2026-02-20T11:15+00:00

Fabian Hurzeler speaks to the media on Friday ahead of the trip to Brentford. 📷Paul Hazlewood.

Fabian Hurzeler addressed several questions at his press conference ahead of Saturday’s trip to Brentford.

Team news

“Yasin Ayari won’t be available for tomorrow, but he’ll return to training next week and should be an option for the next game.”

“We have no new injury concerns. The positive news is that Solly March has trained fully and made a good impression. He could be involved on Saturday.

“With Solly, we need patience. He’s been out a long time, so it’s about small steps and giving his body time to adapt back to Premier League intensity.

“James Milner will definitely be available and in the squad. He prepares his body unbelievably well — he’s the best professional you can imagine.”

Maintaining a positive mindset …

“We’re exactly where the table says we are — in the middle. We’re seven points from relegation and six from Europe. It’s the reality.

“Some people look up and want to climb higher. Others look down and worry. For me, the only focus is the next game — the things we can actually control.

“The Premier League is incredibly tight. One positive run can change everything, so we keep our focus narrow and our mindset positive.”

Handling pressure …

“Everyone knows I’m a positive person. I’m not afraid of anything. We’ll approach the next match with everything we have in our body and in our mind.

"You learn far more in difficult moments than when everything is going well. These times teach you about yourself, your staff, your players, your supporters, even your friends and family. I try to appreciate that.

“I see myself as a role model. I have to set the tone after a loss — and negativity won’t help anyone out of a difficult situation.

“It is still a privilege to coach in the Premier League and to be Brighton head coach. Even in tough moments, I wouldn’t want to swap jobs with anyone.”

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Brentford at the Gtech Stadium provide the next Premier League opposition for Fabian Hurzeler and his squad. Club photographer Paul Hazlewood was at the training complex on Wednesday morning to capture some images.

Good processes will lead to good results …

“If you obsess only about results, you lose focus on the things you can control — preparation, training quality, clarity, togetherness.

“I can’t control the result tomorrow. What I can control is how we prepare, how we train, how we set the mindset of the group.

“People jump from week to week trying desperately to get the result. But the result comes from the process, and that’s what we have to protect.

“The biggest pressure is the pressure I put on myself — because I want to be great, I want to be the perfect coach for this team.”

Striker options and how the team is set up at Brentford …

“We’re trying to find the team that is most stable, reliable, and resilient. Those qualities matter most right now.

“We know we need goals, but it’s also about defensive stability and control. In every recent game we’ve had chances — we just need to take them. We’re convinced we can score goals tomorrow.”

“Last week against Liverpool with Danny Welbeck not playing it was both management of Danny and the fact that Babis Kostoulas deserved his chance and played well. We’re happy with both and they’ve trained well again this week.

Potentially playing a back five …

“I wouldn’t say any system can’t work in the Premier League. But a back five requires very specific profiles — two full‑backs who can run constantly and centre‑backs who can shift aggressively.

“You have to understand your squad’s profiles. Crystal Palace is an example where it (a back five) works because the players fit that system.”

“Overall, I’m happy with our back line. We don’t give away many chances, and we’ll stick to our principles.”

Brighton take on Brentford in an excellent showing at the Amex. Highlights in partnership with @mpbcom. Buy, sell and trade used camera gear. https://bit.ly/MPB457

The opposition …

“Brentford have had a strong season. They’re stable, excellent in transition, and have top‑level pace in forward areas.

“Igor is an outstanding striker. Their pressing is very intense and player‑oriented. They’re also very dangerous on set pieces and long throw‑ins.

“Defending against them one‑to‑one is extremely difficult because of their speed. We must defend as a team, shift together, squeeze space, and take away opportunities to play in behind.

“They play with high intensity and continuity — the same starting XI week after week — and you can see their progress.”

Improving the set-piece threat …

“We know we had to change our approach to set pieces. The demands have increased and we needed to adapt.

“Our goal difference from set pieces isn’t where it should be, but the team is fully committed. We need to keep working on details and ensure everyone knows their exact role.”

Support from the fans …

“I understand the frustration after the Palace performance — it was one of our worst this season. But I’ll never hide from criticism.

“Away from home I’ve felt a lot of positive energy. Even yesterday, when I went on a run through town, I felt unbelievable support from people. It means a lot.

“At a fan meeting last night I heard many messages of belief. It gives me confidence, and it makes me want to give even more back.

“We owe the supporters everything we have in our bodies tomorrow. I can’t promise a result, but I can promise a team that leaves everything on the pitch.

“The fans here are special. We want to give them the performance and the win they deserve.”

Mike Anthony’s arrival as head of player development and high performance …

“Mike Anthony has come in this week and has been observing (training sessions) a lot. He’s very wise, very calm, and has a great eye for dynamics.

“He brings experience from the All Blacks — one of the most successful teams in the world — and their culture and values are exceptional.

“I can definitely benefit from his experience. He knows how teams overcome difficult moments and what’s needed to get back on the winning track.”

James Milner could become the Premier League's all-time leading appearance maker on Saturday. 📷Paul Hazlewood.

James Milner potentially becoming the Premier League’s leading appearance maker on Saturday ...

“Milner is a remarkable professional. The way he prepares his body is incredible. Two days ago I texted him at 5pm to organise a meeting for the next day — five minutes later he was in my office because he was still at the training ground recovering.

“He’s not just available — he’s playing well. Against Aston Villa he was one of the best players on the pitch. He’s honest, loyal, direct, and a pleasure to work with.”