Fabian Hurzeler confirms Mats Wieffer could return against Manchester United
Brighton boss discusses loan players and summer squad planning
Hurzeler insists Brighton will attract “hungry” players regardless of Europe
Fabian Hurzeler has delivered a major Brighton & Hove Albion squad update ahead of Sunday’s decisive clash with Manchester United, with the Albion boss discussing returning loan players, summer planning and the importance of keeping the right characters at the club.
Brighton head into the final day still fighting for European football, and Hurzeler admitted there is growing excitement around what could become another landmark moment under Tony Bloom.
Hurzeler praises Brighton’s mentality ahead of final day
“Really excited because I think that this team deserves it,” Hurzeler said.
“They really went through a lot of highs and lows during the season, but one thing they always did was finding a solution against adversity and bouncing back after setbacks. And therefore, I’m really happy for the players that they are in this place.
“And the second thing I’m proud of is that the fans can experience something special. The fans can support us. The fans will support us. The fans will be there for us, and I think it’s also our responsibility now regarding the weekend to make them proud, to give them something back.
“So definitely really happy and proud for my team, but also for my fans.”
Hurzeler on injuries and Diego Coppola
🚨 Paris FC are interested in making Diego Coppola’s loan move permanent.
The Italian’s agent is expected to meet with club hierarchy over the weekend.
Hurzeler also confirmed Brighton have received a boost on the injury front ahead of the game at the Amex.
“No new injury concerns, so that’s positive,” he revealed.
“Mats Wieffer is an option to come back. And all the other players, they are available.”
While the immediate focus remains on Manchester United, Hurzeler also offered insight into Brighton’s summer planning and how the club are already assessing several returning players from loan spells.
One player specifically mentioned was young defender Diego Coppola, who spent the season with Paris FC.
“I think he played a good season for Paris FC,” Hurzeler said.
“He played a lot of minutes. That’s exactly what we wanted. And now we all have to figure out what is his next step, what is best for him, what is best for his improvement, for his development, and also what is best for us as a club.
“And therefore we will get in communication with him, and then we will see what happens.”
“Hungry players” message signals summer direction
The Brighton head coach also admitted European qualification could influence squad depth next season, although he insisted the club’s recruitment model and long-term project remain unchanged regardless of which competition they enter.
“It doesn’t affect us because no matter where we play, in which competition or if we do not reach Europe, we try to make the squad stronger,” he explained.
“That’s always the goal. We try to figure out what is best for the individual player. We try to figure out what’s best for the club and therefore we try to plan it no matter in which cup we are, and that doesn’t impact us.”
Hurzeler then delivered a strong message about the type of personalities Brighton want moving forward.
“I think if players really see Brighton as a club where you get the chance to play, where you get the chance for improvement, for development, where you have the chance to compete regularly then if players really want it then they will join us no matter in which cup competition we are,” he said.
“And we want to have players who are really keen on joining this club no matter in which competition we play.”
The German also admitted squad size would inevitably increase if Brighton qualify for Europe again.
“Yeah, so regarding this, of course, the squad size will change if you play in Europe,” Hurzeler added.
“But if you’re convinced that a player should stay, that a player helps us, that a player will contribute to this club’s success, then of course we try to keep him.”
Brighton now face Manchester United knowing victory could secure another historic European qualification, while also shaping how aggressive the club can be in the summer transfer market.
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