Brighton Coach Hurzeler: We Aim to Make Fans Proud, No Title Promises
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Synopsis
Brighton & Hove Albion's head coach Fabian Hurzeler pledges to give maximum effort in the FA Cup, while acknowledging the challenge of winning a title. The team’s last major trophy was over a century ago. They face Newcastle United in the fifth round amidst uncertainty about striker Alexander Isak’s availability.
Key Takeaways
- Brighton faces Newcastle United in the FA Cup.
- Head coach Fabian Hurzeler is committed to making fans proud.
- Brighton’s last major trophy was in 1910.
- The team eliminated Chelsea to reach this stage.
- Uncertainty surrounds Alexander Isak's availability for the match.
Brighton, Feb 28 (NationPress) Brighton & Hove Albion is set to face a significant challenge in the fifth round of the FA Cup as they head to St. James Park on Sunday to meet Newcastle United. Head coach Fabian Hurzeler has assured the Seagulls fanbase that his team will exert maximum effort on the pitch, although he cannot promise a trophy. Brighton's last major accolade was over a century ago when they triumphed over Aston Villa with a score of 1-0 in the 1910 FA Charity Shield (now known as the FA Community Shield).
"First and foremost, that is my responsibility. I strive to give everything for the club, and naturally, I want us to achieve the highest level of success possible. That is my role, alongside the staff and the players, and so we work towards that," he noted.
"We assure everyone that we will endeavor to give everything on the pitch and off it to make them proud, but we cannot guarantee a title. This is what we are working towards, and we will see what the future holds," Hurzeler stated during the pre-match press briefing.
The Seagulls secured their place in this round after eliminating the eight-time champions Chelsea. Additionally, Brighton may benefit from the potential return of Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak, who missed Wednesday night’s 2-0 Premier League loss to Liverpool due to a minor groin injury.
Isak has been exceptional this season, netting 21 goals and providing five assists in 30 appearances across all competitions.
The German head coach described Isak as a ‘special player’ and remarked that his side will not take chances by neglecting preparations for facing the 25-year-old in the upcoming match.
"He [Isak] is a special player - one capable of making a significant impact. You cannot easily replace a player of his caliber, as not every team possesses two, three, or four players of such quality. Thus, it would change the dynamics of the game if he doesn’t play. However, as of now, we are uncertain, so we must prepare as if Isak will be starting. We need to strategize for his movements, behavior, and how we intend to defend collectively," he added.
"We can't take a gamble and assume he won't play. I am confident that they will do everything possible to have him fit for the match, and we must be prepared for that,” he concluded.
