Rusk Highlights Exciting League Start

Brighton & Hove Albion under-23 coach Simon Rusk insists his players must feel excitement ahead their high-profile start to life in the Premier League 2 Division 1 - which gets underway on the south coast next Friday.

The Seagulls earned a place in the top flight of under-23 football after winning the play-offs last season, and Rusk commented on his team’s difficult but exciting start to the 2018/19 campaign.

He said, “When you see your first game is Liverpool, second one is Arsenal at the Emirates, third one is Tottenham at their new stadium, and fourth one is Manchester City - if you’re not excited by that then you’re in the wrong game.

“I know the players are hungry and it’s going to be a great challenge for us all, and one we’re thoroughly looking forward to and will embrace.

“Playing in stadiums such as the Emirates and Tottenham’s new one - it’s special and you have to make the most of those opportunities.

“Of course, whether you’re playing at a training ground or a stadium, it should be irrelevant in terms of your attitude and approach to the game.

“But this is what we worked hard for last season, we wanted to play in these types of arenas. We’re looking forward to the new season and want to get started now.”

Albion continued their preparations for the new season against Fulham at Motspur Park yesterday, and although the game ended in defeat, Rusk believes his team are getting closer to the levels required.

“We had the victory against Charlton last Saturday, which was a really good workout for the players.

“We then had a tough game against Fulham. There were so many changes in the match that it probably effected the flow, but at 1-0 I was happy with a lot of the play that got us in front.

“It was a good test, more minutes in the bank and another step closer to our first game of the season against Liverpool.”