Brighton & Hove Albion will host Crystal Palace in Matchday 7 of the Premier League. Before the match, Seagulls manager Hürzeler spoke to the media about veteran Gross's exceptional form and the team's attacking prowess, among other topics.
You had a 4-0 victory in the UEFA Europa Conference League on Thursday evening. What pleased you the most?
Of course, keeping a clean sheet is very important, but what I appreciated most is that other players stepped up when given the opportunity. They made an impact and delivered excellent performances when the team needed them. This means we have genuine competition, and I believe competition is crucial for a team's development.
Good squad depth always increases the likelihood of winning matches, and I was very pleased with the performance of the lads who played. We can see that we have not just 11 or 12 players available, but a large number of quality players who can participate in multiple competitions, which is very important.
Lüter scored two goals. In a previous interview, he said he is difficult to manage, sometimes lacks confidence, and struggles with consistency. Do you think this Europa Conference League performance can help him regain his confidence?
First, I enjoy working with Lüter because he is a very good person and easy to work with. Sometimes his emotions are very positive, and sometimes they can be completely negative. For him, maintaining consistency in training and performing consistently on match days will be a significant challenge.
This is the key to his career, and it's what I always tell him, because he has immense potential. He has everything it takes to have a brilliant career and all the qualities needed to become a top player. The key now is for him to maintain consistent behavior and develop good habits. As I mentioned before, I am pleased with his progress and hope he can continue this form, as he will be an important member of the team.
Gross has contributed 3 goals and 4 assists in 6 Premier League matches this season and has also created the most chances. You've said he's like a fine wine and that he's a great person who connects the team socially. But in terms of on-field performance, why do you think he's able to maintain this form?
I think I mentioned that this actually started in pre-season. During the off-season, he's never the type to lie on the beach doing nothing; he's always working on something. I think his pre-season preparation was impressive, and pre-season lays the foundation for the entire season. You build a physical base, develop mental resilience, and clarify your goals – what exactly do I want to achieve? If you want to make a breakthrough next season, you have to be ready.
When he returned in the summer, he looked very energetic, vibrant, and in excellent condition, not only physically but also mentally. His demeanor, his words, and his message were all exceptionally clear to me, to the team, to everyone. We saw a different look on his face; yes, there's an improvement during the season, but of course, no one expected him to perform so well, and it also shows that he still has huge potential within him.
On the other hand, it's his understanding of football. He knows exactly where he should be, he has a deep understanding of game tactics, and he comprehends the dynamic changes on the field. Sometimes he's even one step ahead of his opponents. So he's not the fastest player, but he might be the quickest thinker, and that ability is sometimes very crucial.
Brighton & Hove Albion has the most goalscorers in the Premier League this season and is also the highest-scoring team in the first 6 matches, ranking third in total goals among Europe's top five leagues. Why are you performing so well in front of goal, with so many different players scoring?
That's a good question. The players have high quality. I am happy to work with these players because each of them has a strong desire to improve, they are all very willing to listen, and they learn quickly. My coaching staff and I have our own philosophy and principles, but ultimately, the players have to implement these ideas themselves; they have to believe these are their own ideas. I think the players have done that, and that's what I truly appreciate about them.
Beyond that, I think we show a desire to score goals and a desire to defend. If you have the desire to get into the box, you'll do so with a different intention – you'll go to score goals. Another point is that they sacrifice for each other; sometimes you need to run a bit further to open up space for your teammate.
I always like to use the example of Müller. When I watch him play, he might make 10 offside runs and not receive the ball on any of those 10 occasions, until the 11th time he finally gets it. Those other 10 times he didn't score or assist, and no one would give him public attention. But he was creating space for his teammates. I emphasize the importance of this type of work very strongly in meetings.
This match is affectionately known as the M23 derby. What do you personally enjoy most about this rivalry?
I haven't won this match yet, so I hope that changes on Sunday, and then I can really enjoy it. But overall, I always like playing these matches because it's a derby – people are more emotional, and it's a real confrontation.
I have experienced similar derbies in Germany. I know how important it is for the fans, supporters, the entire club, and myself, and frankly, for my players too. We will give our all for the entire city, hoping to deliver a victory to our fans and supporters.
You are in third place in the Premier League, and obviously your European campaign has started well. How has your time at Brighton & Hove Albion been?
I always enjoy my time here because, as I mentioned before, I really like working with the players and I also enjoy having excellent team members around me. I have a great owner, a great CEO, and a great sporting director. I think it's very important to have an environment around me that allows me to express myself freely.
We seem to be in a good place right now, but I know things can change very quickly. In this league, I also know what the situation was like six or seven months ago. But I enjoy this job because the people I work with are always what matters to me – they never change, they are always there.
What brings me the most joy is being on this journey with good people, whether they are players or staff. I feel it makes my life easier. Of course, people talk about results, but for me, what truly makes it enjoyable is the relationships we have with each other.
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