Verbruggen: We want to reach a higher level

Bart Verbruggen believes that the team can bounce back from the 1-1 draw with Burnley against Marseille at the Amex on Thursday.

But the Netherlands goalkeeper insists that that disappointing result will not provide any extra motivation when the Ligue 1 club visit Sussex. 

“We are always focused,” Bart said. “We have our goal right in front of us and we’re heading that way together.  

“Of course Marseille is an important game because if you finish top of the group you have a great advantage.   

“It’s a big game and at the weekend another big game (away to Arsenal) but that’s what I enjoy about being in England – every three or four days there is a big game and we have to be ready for Thursday and then the weekend and we will be.”

However, the Dutch stopper admitted that the team felt they should have taken three points from the Clarets on Saturday. 

“Yes, 100 percent,” he said. “Of course we should have won this game.  

“We created loads of opportunities. And we should have scored more than one but also shouldn’t have conceded. So I’m not happy.” 

Burnley’s goal had more than a hint of good fortune about it, with Wilson Odobert’s shot looping into the top corner off James Milner.  

“Yes, it took a big deflection off James Milner’s calf,” Verbruggen said. “It’s part of football and you also have to try to save those.

“Today I couldn’t, unfortunately. Like I said, we should have scored more. But we shouldn’t have put ourselves in that position in the first place.”  

The main reason that Albion only scored once, through Simon Adingra, was that Burnley and England under-21 goalkeeper James Trafford had an outstanding game. 

“Yes, he was amazing,” Bart said of his opposite number. “He played a brilliant game. You also have to give credit to the opponent when he deserves it.   

“I think he was outstanding and made a couple of important saves. So, good for him but not good for us. At the end of the day I can only say congratulations to Trafford.” 

Bart was not comforted by the fact that the team have lost only one of the past ten games. 

“We have a brilliant team and loads of good players, a good staff. We have a good vibe between each other, so we know this team can reach high levels.  

“But to reach those levels we have to win games like today’s and unfortunately this season a couple of times we drew games, especially here at home, which we shouldn’t have drawn and we should have won.  

“We all know how good we are but also the things we still have to improve. We’ve got all the confidence in ourselves and we want to reach an even higher level and keep progressing and keep improving and that’s what we work for.” 

With almost all the action at the far end of the pitch, Bart had to make sure he kept his concentration levels up in case of a breakaway. 

“Yes, but that’s what you get when you sign for a good club like Brighton," he said. "I knew that before and I always tell myself that I have one big save to make, so that always prepares me. Against Burnley the save didn’t come, but I was ready for it and that’s how it should be every game.” 

Jason Steele knows the feeling and Verbruggen paid tribute to his fellow goalkeeper.  

“Ever since I came to the club he has been brilliant to me on a personal level. We have a lot of discussions about football and our position of goalkeeper.  

“He’s a brilliant guy and a good goalkeeper as well. I learn from him, I speak to him and we have a good relationship.”