Hughton: It's About Bouncing Back

Brighton & Hove Albion manager Chris Hughton challenged his players to respond from a disappointing result and performance at Goodison Park on Saturday, as they approach the final eight league games of the season.

The Seagulls were beaten 2-0 by the Toffees to end a run of seven matches without defeat in all competitions, and Hughton highlighted the need for a positive reaction after not reaching the required levels on Merseyside.

He said, “One trait that you’ll always need to have is bouncing back. This isn't the first time this season that we’ve had a disappointing performance and result.

“You try to raise your players for every game and sometimes it’s very difficult when you’re playing against good opposition.

“But it’s about bouncing back, and that won’t be any different with all of the teams that are around us in this division.”

Albion were undone by two second-half goals from the hosts, and Hughton expressed his disappointment towards his team’s lack of improvement after the break, as they rode their luck in the opening half.

“I was surprised, particularly because of the form that we’d be in. You can't come to Everton, who have been very good at home, and play at a level that doesn’t allow you to get anything from the game.

“Despite not playing very well, we went in at half-time still very much in the game. For all of the corners that they had and balls into the final third, they never really had any clear chances.

“We had an opportunity to improve and come out better in the second half, but unfortunately we didn’t.”

The Seagulls now turn their attention to next weekend’s Emirates FA Cup quarter-final against Manchester United, and Hughton commented on his team selection for the game against Jose Mourinho’s men.

“I have decisions to make - but I’m also very conscious that it’s Manchester United away at Old Trafford. It’s one of the toughest games that we could have.

“In any way that we’re going to win it, we’ll have to put in a performance that will give us a chance. If anything, I’ll look to put out the strongest side that I can to get a result.”