Hurzeler Reflects on Brighton’s Dramatic Win Over Manchester United

Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler expressed deep emotion but remained grounded after Joao Pedro’s dramatic last-minute goal secured a 2-1 victory against Manchester United at the Amex Stadium. While the noise of the final whistle suggested euphoria, Hurzeler chose a more measured approach to describing the win.

Despite Brighton’s recent success against United, having won five of their last six encounters, Hurzeler was not overwhelmed by the victory. The consistency of winning starts to the season, reminiscent of last year’s strong beginning, might have contributed to a sense of routine rather than exhilaration. Furthermore, Hurzeler’s role in continuing the club’s upward trajectory—a journey that has taken Brighton from obscurity to prominence over the past two decades—was not lost on him.

“It was emotional,” Hurzeler remarked. “Winning in the last minute always brings out strong feelings, and my team deserved this victory. It’s hard to articulate these emotions, which is part of why I love this job. These moments are invaluable and unique.”

However, Hurzeler emphasized his realistic approach, avoiding any hint of excessive elation. “If United had scored, the outcome could have been very different for us. I prefer to stay realistic and not let euphoria cloud my focus on the practical aspects of the game,” he explained.

Brighton’s victory, while thrilling, was tinged with a degree of fortune. On a soggy pitch, Joshua Zirkzee’s attempt to convert Bruno Fernandes’ 72nd-minute cross led to a disallowed goal due to offside, illustrating the fine margins in football. Yet, the smooth transition from former manager Roberto de Zerbi to the 31-year-old Hurzeler, previously of St. Pauli, suggests that Brighton made a wise choice in their managerial appointment.

Starting the season with dominant performances—such as the win against Everton and the victory over Manchester United—has been encouraging but not unexpected for Hurzeler. “It’s not surprising,” he said. “We have a strong community here, almost like a family. Everyone is committed to the cause. My role is to build on the solid foundations laid over the past three years and continue the club’s success.”

A particular point of focus has been veteran striker Danny Welbeck. At 33, Welbeck remains a crucial figure both on and off the pitch. Scoring his 100th career goal in club football against his former side, Welbeck also hit the crossbar with a header in the second half. His influence extends beyond match performances.

“Danny is a role model,” Hurzeler praised. “His experience is invaluable to me, and he plays a key role in the locker room. I appreciate his insights and enjoy working with him.”

Looking ahead, Hurzeler knows that football success can be fleeting. After the high of this victory, Brighton faces a potential challenge with a Sussex derby against Crawley in the EFL Cup, followed by a tough away fixture at Arsenal. This match will test the team’s resilience and the validity of the “we are top of the league” chants from Brighton fans—a sentiment Hurzeler humorously admitted he didn’t fully grasp.

The timing of the Arsenal match coincides with the close of the transfer window, and Hurzeler will soon have a clear picture of his squad’s composition. Midfielder Matt O’Riley is expected to finalize his £25 million move this weekend, joining other recent signings like Georginio Rutter, who is gradually integrating into the team. O’Riley’s arrival could signal the departure of Scotland midfielder Billy Gilmour, who has been the subject of transfer speculation but delivered a standout performance in his last outing.

Hurzeler has kept his thoughts on Gilmour’s situation private, opting to maintain transparency in private discussions rather than in public forums. “He knows my thoughts,” Hurzeler said. “I’m open with him, but I prefer not to discuss these matters publicly.”

In summary, while the win over Manchester United was a significant moment for Brighton, Hurzeler’s focus remains on maintaining consistency and navigating the challenges ahead.