Tribal Football

Brighton boss Hurzeler: Let's be realistic, not euphoric

Paul Vegas
Brighton boss Hurzeler: Let's be realistic, not euphoric
Brighton boss Hurzeler: Let's be realistic, not euphoricProfimedia
Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler was delighted for the fans after victory over Manchester United.

Joao Pedro struck in injury-time to secure the 2-1 win.

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Hurzeler later said: "After we conceded the goal, we lost a little bit the control of the game. I think the start of the second half was especially good. We had the chance to make the second or the third goal. After their goal the game was too open and that's one of the biggest strengths of United, to have good transition moments.

"And we have to be honest, it was lucky that we didn't concede the second goal after the VR decision, but this was a wake-up moment for us and we started to control the game again and how we played in the last 10-15 minutes was amazing. We were pushing for the second goal and controlling the game.

"We had chances and in the end I'm very happy that the players never gave up and always believed in their own strengths and in each other. I could feel it on the sideline, the atmosphere was incredible."

On beating United, he continued: "First of all, I'm very happy for our supporters. In the end it's always about making them proud, and of course I also feel proud and happy of the team, for the whole staff, because it's always about hard work and that's why we have to enjoy the win. It's important to enjoy some moments because they make memories, and we have to enjoy it. And then we should focus on the next game on Tuesday."

Hurzeler also said: "What I want is that we show the attitude of never giving up in every game and that we try to win it, try to be the best prepared team, try to get the momentum, try to outwork the opponents. And of course these wins build a good connection. But I know the football business is like just daily business, so you have to win the next game, make the next step, try to improve. That’s my passion, so I think it was a good start and now we should continue this process.

"That's why I will always be realistic - never euphoric - because I think euphoric means that you lose the focus on the realistic things, and that's why I try to concentrate on the process. We have now a very important game in the cup against a good Crawley Town team on Tuesday.

"Then we play in Arsenal. So there are two big challenges ahead of us. And we should focus on every day. We still have phases in the game where we have to improve. So we have to be honest. We could have lost today as well, and if United had scored the second goal, then it would have been quite difficult to win this game."