Former manager Gus Poyet has delivered a strong endorsement of Brighton & Hove Albion head coach Fabian Hurzeler, insisting the German is already the “right man for the job” while also warning that squad depth will decide whether the club can turn progress into silverware.
Speaking exclusively to Read Brighton via freebets.com, the home of the best betting sites, Poyet gave a clear verdict on Hurzeler’s debut campaign and the direction of the club under the current head coach.
Poyet, who managed Brighton between 2009 and 2013 and played a key role in the club’s rise under chairman Tony Bloom, believes the Seagulls are now firmly established at Premier League level and can begin to think about lifting major trophies in the coming years.
Poyet praises Hurzeler’s second season
“I would rank this [season] right up there with how the club has done,” Poyet said.
“There was a time in the season where Brighton had a little wobble. It seems fans were a little frustrated. But you can see how they’ve turned it around and can finish it in a European spot again, and the team continue to play good football.
“For Hurzeler, especially, you have to say for him, he will be proud of what he has achieved this season. He is the right man for the job too.”
Brighton’s season has again fluctuated between frustration and promise, but their ability to recover from difficult spells has kept them in contention for European qualification heading into the final match of the campaign.
That consistency has strengthened belief around the project, but Poyet believes the next step will only come if Brighton can manage the demands of competing on multiple fronts.
He said: “If Brighton were to really target a European trophy or a domestic trophy, they play really strong teams in these competitions, then if the league form drops off because of squad depth, then what would fans really want?
“If Brighton dropped down the table and were in a relegation battle? It’s a tough one as Brighton are really cementing their place in the Premier League now. So yes, it is possible if a draw opens up for them in domestic cups. They have reached quarterfinals and semifinals for domestic cups before, so they can go one further, but everything has to align well.”
That challenge, according to Poyet, is not about ambition but depth. Brighton’s ability to rotate effectively will ultimately define how far they can go in knockout competitions while maintaining league stability.
“A deeper squad is always the ideal situation, and this is what I’m sure Brighton will be looking to push for next season,” he added.
“Especially if they do make European football. It’s a really tough ask for a club like Brighton, so you need strength in depth so you can rotate with so many games in the calendar. But I would say another centre forward is definitely a target for Brighton as to score more goals is always key for them. As defensively, they’re doing well.”
That assessment reflects a clear reality at the Amex. Despite Brighton’s fluid attacking structure, only Danny Welbeck has reached double figures in the Premier League this season, highlighting the need for greater firepower if they are to compete across all competitions.
Poyet on Pascal Gross
One position in which they have improved depth this season is midfield, especially with the winter re-signing of club legend Pascal Gross. The German has impressed Poyet through the second half of the season and even went as far to say he is underrated.
When asked which current Albion player he would most enjoy working with, Poyet said: “I would say Pascal Gross. I really like him and believe I could really add value to his game.”
The Uruguayan added: “He is a game changer, he understands the game really well and is very clever.”
For Poyet, the foundations are already in place. Now it becomes a question of whether Brighton can build enough depth to turn progress into something more tangible.
And if they do, their former manager believes Hurzeler will be the one to lead them there.
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