Brighton & Hove Albion playmaker Pascal Gross praised Chris Hughton for the support he’s provided throughout the season for both himself and his team-mates, ahead of today's season closer against Liverpool at Anfield.
The Seagulls end their Premier League campaign against Jurgen Klopp’s side this afternoon, and Gross highlighted the balanced style of management that Hughton brings to the table.
He said, “It’s very important to have the support from the gaffer. It’s important that he trusts you and picks you in the right position. He’s done that from the first day and I’m very happy because of that.
“He’s everything that you need in a manager. He can be very friendly, but also very hard. That’s what we need sometimes.
“Normally he’s very serious and focused. He knows what the players need and remains calm, but even when things aren't going so well, he keeps us concentrated on our performance and nothing else.”
The Reds take on Real Madrid in the Champions League final after coming up against Hughton’s men at Anfield this Sunday, and Gross insists the team are focused on giving a good account of themselves.
“They need at least one point to secure their Champions League place for next season - they also have two weeks until their Champions League Final, so that break probably doesn't help us.
“We didn’t celebrate [after staying up] because we had two massive games against Manchester City and Liverpool. We’ll go to Anfield and concentrate on our own game.
“We’ve got a little less pressure on us - we want to go there and enjoy the game, but also be serious and well prepared.”
Gross has scored seven goals and claimed eight assists in the Premier League this season, but the German expressed his determination to continue improving.
“I’m very happy with my stats this season. I look at myself and want to improve every year, in every training session.
“I watch different players and you can learn every day - but not during the matches, I just focus on myself and the team.
“When I watch Champions League and Premier League games, I watch players that play in my position.
“When I was younger, I watched [Zinedine] Zidane and [Andrea] Pirlo, but now [Kevin] De Bruyne is the one - he’s an amazing player and has had a great season. [Christian] Eriksen is also a great player.”
Fans can watch the midfielder's full look ahead to today's game above on Seagulls TV - and supporters can sign up to the service by clicking here.