- Brighton qualified for the UEFA Europa Conference League
- Fabian Hurzeler survived major mid-season pressure
- Pascal Gross transformed Brighton after returning mid-season
European football is heading back to the Amex Stadium. Despite Brighton’s 3-0 defeat against Manchester United on the final day, Fabian Hurzeler guided the Seagulls into the UEFA Conference League after Brentford failed to beat Liverpool.
It marks Brighton’s second European qualification in club history and arguably Hurzeler’s biggest achievement since arriving from St Pauli in 2024.
There were frustrations. There were difficult moments. There were genuine questions over the manager’s future in the winter. But Brighton got over the line and that deserves recognition.
Slow start before momentum built
Brighton’s opening weeks felt steady rather than spectacular. One win from their opening four Premier League matches did not exactly spark excitement, although victory against Manchester City quickly changed the mood.
That win kick-started a strong run. Brighton beat Newcastle United and Chelsea, and looked firmly on track for another push towards Europe. Then December happened.
The 4-3 defeat against Aston Villa at the Amex triggered a dramatic collapse. Brighton failed to win a single league game during the month. Three defeats and three draws piled pressure on Hurzeler.
Things became toxic. Defeats against Fulham, Crystal Palace and Aston Villa followed early in the new year, while FA Cup elimination only increased frustration. Fans openly questioned Hurzeler’s future. “You’re getting sacked in the morning” chants appeared. Social media turned brutal.
But Brighton responded. A crucial 2-0 win against Brentford changed everything.
Looking back now, that victory may have defined Brighton’s season. The Seagulls only secured Europe on goal difference ahead of Brentford. Without those three points, Brighton would not be heading back into continental competition.
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Best game of the season
Brighton’s 3-0 win against Chelsea on 21 April felt like the complete performance.
Ferdi Kadioglu, Jack Hinshelwood and Danny Welbeck all scored as Brighton dominated from start to finish. The Seagulls registered 15 shots and completely overwhelmed Chelsea in transition.
It was intense, aggressive and clinical. More importantly, it came at the perfect moment in the European race.
Worst game of the season
The final-day defeat against Manchester United was hugely disappointing. Brighton looked flat. They lacked urgency and barely threatened.
For a team needing a result to secure Europe, the mentality felt questionable. Brighton failed to register a shot on target until the 79th minute and looked completely toothless in attack.
The starting lineup also raised eyebrows, particularly James Milner starting ahead of Carlos Baleba. In the end, results elsewhere saved them.
Signing of the season: Pascal Gross
Bringing Pascal Gross back to Brighton changed the season. The German midfielder instantly improved Brighton’s control in possession and creativity in the final third. His influence went far beyond goals and assists.
Gross created 39 chances in just half a season. He ranked second at the club for expected assists and final-third recoveries despite arriving midway through the campaign.
Brighton simply looked better with him in the side.
Hurzeler deserves more respect
Brighton fans need to give Hurzeler far more credit. This squad was nowhere near the level Roberto De Zerbi inherited. There was no Alexis Mac Allister and no Moises Caicedo to name a couple. Injuries constantly disrupted momentum.
Yet Hurzeler still delivered Europe. He also got the best out of Danny Welbeck. The striker scored 13 Premier League goals, the best return of his career at 35 years old. That alone says plenty about the coaching.
There are still major issues Brighton must address this summer. Replacing Jan Paul van Hecke will not be easy. Joel Veltman looks set to leave. Another striker is desperately needed.
But Brighton are back in Europe. For all the criticism Hurzeler faced this season, that achievement should not be overlooked.
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