Bruno: Early Target Has Helped Us Focus

Brighton & Hove Albion defender Bruno believes the clear focus on Premier League survival since day one has helped the team in their battle to avoid the drop, as they head into the final eight matches of the season.

The Seagulls occupy 12th position, six points outside the drop zone, and Bruno highlighted the mental attributes that Chris Hughton’s team carried across into their first Premier League campaign.

He said, “It’s one of the tightest league tables over the last few years, but I think that’s quite good for us because there’s so many teams down there.

“For most teams, you don’t know what you’re fighting for in the first part of the season. But we’ve had a clear idea since day one, and I think that helps quite a lot.

“That momentum that we kept from the Championship, in terms of the togetherness, hard work and a good atmosphere, also helps.

“You see other teams with quality and top players, but when you take the team mentality into account, we can compete against anyone.”

Albion welcome Leicester City to the Amex Stadium on Saturday afternoon, and the Spaniard is focused on securing another three points to move the team closer to top-flight safety.

“We’re in a good position, but our job is not done. We’re quite close but as we’ve done all season, we’ll take every game as it comes.

“The next one is the most important, and every single week will be a cup final for us, because every point is massive.

“We have a big chance on Saturday against Leicester and that could be a massive step towards achieving our aim.”

Hughton’s men have recorded four successive victories at the Amex in all competitions, including three in the Premier League, and Bruno believes home form was always going to play a huge role in beating the drop.

“It’s been like that since I came here - coming to the Amex, for away teams, has always been quite tough.

“When you think about having a good season, you know that being strong at home is going to be one of the biggest parts. If you can get something away from home, then that’s even better.

“That’s our weapon, we try to get as many points as we can at home, because I think that’s the only way to be safe.”