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Talking Points | Lopetegui on a tough personal period, fostering a strong team ethos and stopping the Seagulls

A difficult period away from the pitch

It has been a hard week for our family, but my Dad has had a very good life and we are very proud of him. When I talk about my father, I do it with a smile on my face, because he has had a good life with lots of stories, and he has been a big character.

I have lost my Dad, but I think we have also lost a very big person. He has been a very good character, and we are all very proud of him.

Now, we have to change our focus because I am back, but at least I can stay close to my family. We have to think about tomorrow’s match, and the next match, because life continues.

Hard work continues behind the scenes

It has been a bit of a different week, but I believe a lot in my staff. They are always ready to manage this kind of situation, and the players have shown great commitment, too. They have all worked really hard, to get ready for the challenge tomorrow. We know it’s going to be tough, against a very good team.

Another tough top-flight test

Brighton are a very good team, with very good players, a good coach and good ideas. They have carried on with similar ideas over a number of years, despite the fact they have had a few different coaches.

So, we have to be ready tomorrow to have a good answer to the demands in the match. Every game in the Premier League is hard, and we don’t prepare for any to be tougher than others, and in the same way we see each fixture as an opportunity.

I’m always looking to overcome an opponent, and in this case we know they are a very good opponent. But, we have to put the focus on ourselves, and be ready to play a good match tomorrow.

They have a good record [at London Stadium]but I don’t believe a lot in the statistics. Each match is different, and tomorrow is another opportunity and another challenge. We have to think about tomorrow, rather than looking back at the past.

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