- Roberto De Zerbi claim emerges after Brighton seal Europe
- Fabian Hurzeler praises former Brighton boss after historic finish
- Albion qualify for Europe for only the second time
Fabian Hurzeler praised former Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi after the Seagulls secured European qualification for only the second time in the club’s history.
Brighton suffered a disappointing 3-0 defeat against Manchester United on the final day of the Premier League season but still finished eighth and booked their place in next season’s Conference League.
The achievement means Brighton will return to European competition after previously qualifying under De Zerbi during the 2022/23 campaign.
Read more: Ten Brighton players who could say goodbye to the Amex against Manchester United this Sunday
Fabian Hurzeler praises Roberto De Zerbi
Speaking after the defeat at the Amex Stadium, Hurzeler acknowledged the impact De Zerbi had on Brighton’s rise in recent years and credited the Italian for helping establish the club among the Premier League’s strongest sides outside the traditional elite.
Hurzeler told reporters:
“I don’t try to replicate the achievements of the coaches before me because Roberto De Zerbi was a great coach for Brighton.”
The Brighton head coach continued:
“He achieved unbelievable things with this club and laid the foundations for the success we’ve had over the last few years.”
De Zerbi guided Brighton to sixth place in the Premier League which remains the highest finish in the club’s history before leading Albion into the Europa League the following season.
The Italian left Brighton in 2024 to join Marseille and has since returned to English football with Tottenham.
Roberto De Zerbi claim highlights Brighton consistency
Hurzeler believes Brighton’s latest European qualification shows the club can now consistently compete with some of the biggest teams in the Premier League.
Brighton finished eighth for the second season running despite balancing injuries and increased expectations throughout the campaign.
Reflecting on the achievement, Hurzeler said:
“We finished eighth last season and eighth again this season, which shows consistency in our ability to challenge the established clubs.”
The German added:
“That’s something we should continue to do in the coming years.”
The Conference League campaign will provide Brighton with another opportunity to test themselves on the European stage after their memorable Europa League run under De Zerbi.
Also read: How the Conference League works as Brighton prepare for European return
Fabian Hurzeler prepares for first European adventure
Next season will also mark Hurzeler’s first experience of coaching in European competition.
The 33-year-old said he is looking forward to the challenge and believes Brighton can continue progressing under his leadership.
Hurzeler said:
“It’s another great opportunity to show how far we can go as a team and to take the next step.”
He added:
“Of course, it’s a new experience and we’ll face different teams, but we have to approach it positively, with togetherness and a strong work ethic. Then we’ll see where it takes us.”
Brighton will now begin preparing for another demanding season as the club looks to build on yet another historic campaign.
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