Gross Confident Ahead Of Amex Double

Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Pascal Gross stressed the importance of having back-to-back matches at the Amex Stadium, and highlighted his own improvement since the visit to Leicester City in the opening weeks of the season.

The Seagulls have won four consecutive games at the Amex since losing to Chelsea in January, and the German believes the Foxes will be coming up against a much-improved team when they visit the south coast on Saturday.

He said, “The recent results we’ve had at home have been very good. We’re always happy to play at the Amex and it’s important that the next two league matches are there.

“As a team, we’re much better now. Personally, it was one of my worst games, but I just needed some time to adapt in the Premier League.

“I didn’t need a long time, but I definitely need some time. I certainly feel like I’ve improved since we played them away.

“I’m quite happy with how the season has gone for me, but I can only do it when we’re playing well as a team. Come the end of the season, I’ll only be happy if we’ve stayed up.”

Chris Hughton’s team recently returned from a warm weather training camp in preparation for Saturday’s Premier League fixtures against Claude Puel’s side, and Gross spoke about the benefits of the trip.

“It was a very good trip. We had great facilities there, a very nice hotel with good food. We also had some great weather and we enjoyed it as a team.

“I like to train here [in Sussex], because we have perfect facilities, but sometimes it’s nice to go away with the team for three or four days.

“It worked well for the team last season when I wasn’t here, so we hope it can have the same effect again.

“Hopefully we can finish the season strongly and stay up in the Premier League.”