- Lewis Dunk targets Conference League success with Brighton
- Albion secure dramatic return to European football
- James Milner and Danny Welbeck praised after strong finish
Lewis Dunk believes Brighton should head into next season’s UEFA Conference League campaign with genuine ambition after sealing a dramatic return to European football on the final day of the Premier League season.
The Albion skipper admitted there were difficult moments throughout the campaign but praised the resilience shown by the squad as Brighton secured another shot on the European stage.
Dunk’s latest Conference League rallying cry will only add to the growing belief around the club ahead of another European adventure.
After Brighton secured qualification, Dunk insisted the club must approach the competition believing they can go all the way.
Dunk targets European success with Brighton
“I think we have to try, don’t we?” Dunk said.
“We will see where we end up. I think if you look at the European competitions this year with the number of English teams in all the finals it gives us hope. I think we have to back ourselves.
“You never know what will happen. We know the quality we have, we know the fight we have. Let’s see where the road in Europe takes us. Let’s see where we end up.”
Dunk also dismissed any suggestion that Brighton’s qualification for the Conference League should be viewed negatively after hopes of reaching the Europa League or Champions League faded earlier in the season.
Instead, the defender described European qualification as a major achievement considering the club’s position just a few months ago.
Read more: Brighton UEFA Conference League dates confirmed after top-8 finish
Brighton’s season ends with dramatic qualification twist
“I think it’s massive,” he said.
“Obviously, we wanted better, but it’s Europe. If you look at us three or four months ago, we were having different conversations about the bottom of the league. I think it’s credit to us as a team and staff, the way we fought back and got ourselves in this position to be able to fight for Europe in the last game of the season.”
Brighton’s place in Europe was only confirmed after a nervous wait following their final match against Manchester United.
Dunk admitted he initially feared the opportunity had slipped away before results elsewhere delivered the outcome Brighton needed.
“When the final whistle went, I was gutted,” he said.
“I thought we were out of where we wanted to be. Then someone said we were waiting three minutes for the Liverpool v Brentford game to finish.
“It was a long three minutes, but it was a nice feeling when that confirmation came through. It feels great, we’re back in Europe and our fans are travelling to Europe again, so we’re buzzing.”
Conference League rallying cry reflects Brighton belief
The celebrations sparked plenty of smiles in the Brighton dressing room with veteran midfielder James Milner joking about the unusual circumstances surrounding qualification.
“James Milner said to me after the game, ‘it’s been 24 years and I’ve never celebrated a 3-0 loss!’” Dunk revealed.
“It was a funny game sometimes, but we’re back where we want to be.”
Also read: How the Conference League works as Brighton prepare for European return
Dunk praises Milner, Gross and Welbeck influence
Dunk also made it clear he hopes Milner remains at the club as Brighton prepare for another demanding campaign involving domestic and European football.
“I hope so. He’s been incredible since he’s come to the football club. To be the age he is and how fit he is and how determined and how every detail matters is nothing like I’ve ever seen before. He’s one in a million.
“He’s driven us on. If you look at the period when we had only one win in 14 he came back in the team and changed it. All credit to him for making us fight and bounce back to get where we want to be. He’s an incredible player and human and hopefully he’s there for another year.”
Reflecting on Brighton’s overall campaign, Dunk acknowledged the side lacked consistency at times but said the squad’s character ultimately carried them through.
“It’s been a tough season. There have been periods when it’s not gone well and periods where it’s gone really well. Overall, it wasn’t consistent, but there was a lot of fight and hunger and desire. I think we showed what we’re about as a team, we never give up.”
Dunk also paid tribute to Pascal Gross and Danny Welbeck for their leadership and influence throughout the season.
“Pascal coming back to the club was big as well,” Dunk said.
“He is a massive influence. He’s loved by every fan, every player and every staff member in the building. Every year he’s been here, he’s been incredible.
“He’s another one in the leadership group who helps drive the players on. Every single day he’s at it and he’s hungry, so the more people like that we can have makes us better.”
The Brighton captain reserved special praise for Welbeck after the forward enjoyed one of the best goalscoring seasons of his career.
“Danny has been outstanding,” he added.
“It’s the most goals he’s ever scored and he’s probably the fittest he’s ever been, so credit to him. He’s found a good rhythm and hopefully he can carry it on next year.”
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