Albion’s head coach, Fabian Hurzeler, expressed his deep frustration following the Seagulls’ 1-1 stalemate against Southampton at the Amex Stadium.
Reflecting on the match, Hurzeler acknowledged that his side fell short of their usual performance levels, particularly during a lacklustre second half.
When probed about his feelings after the final whistle, Hurzeler remarked, “Not the best emotions. But it’s part of the game, really. Disappointment and tough moments are integral to our journey.”
He added, “We didn’t earn anything more today, so it’s imperative we keep working hard and strive for better in our next outing.”
The Albion manager pinpointed the failure to convert chances in the first half and an unsettling defensive display as crucial factors in the draw.
He stated, “We created enough opportunities to secure the win, yet we faltered in our execution. In the second period, our defensive setup lacked clarity and stability, and that ultimately cost us points.”
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Hurzeler also revealed that Joel Veltman missed the clash due to a minor fitness issue.
The decision to bring captain Lewis Dunk off the bench was not straightforward for the manager, who acknowledged the commendable form of colleagues Ego and Jan Paul van Hecke in recent weeks.
“It was a tough call, but Lewis’s presence and leadership shone through when he entered the field,” Hurzeler noted.
While he recognised this positive contribution, he stressed the necessity of prioritising performance over mere results.
Hurzeler asserted, “We must be honest with ourselves—this cannot define our identity or our style, especially in front of the home supporters. We owe them an apology for the second half and need to engage in self-reflection.”
He concluded, “We are still in pursuit of that complete 90-minute performance. It’s a goal we’ll relentlessly chase, starting with our next fixture.”
The Seagulls are set to regroup as they prepare to take on Fulham in their next Premier League match this coming Thursday.
