Hurzeler Eyes Comeback as Brighton Prepare for Tough Aston Villa Test

Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler says his team must be more ruthless as they prepare to face Aston Villa in a crucial Premier League clash.

Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler addressed the media in his latest press conference, ahead of the Seagulls' crucial clash with Aston Villa on Wednesday. With the battle for European qualification heating up, both teams are gearing up for the final nine games of the season.

Hurzeler began by delivering some disappointing news for Brighton fans, providing updates on the injuries sustained by Georginio Rutter and Adam Webster. “Both injuries, I can say, they don't look great. We have to add them to our injury list,” Hurzeler revealed, setting a somber tone for the rest of the conference.

When questioned about the possibility of Rutter and Webster being ruled out for the remainder of the season, Hurzeler's response offered little optimism. “It's possible. Georginio has an ankle injury, Adam a muscle injury,” he said, leaving the door open for a prolonged absence for both players.

Fabian Hurzeler shifted his focus to the quick turnaround following Brighton's penalty shoot-out defeat against Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup on Saturday night. The loss extended the Seagulls' search for their first-ever major trophy, but Hurzeler remains optimistic about the team's prospects. “It's a great opportunity for a comeback. A setback and a disappointment doesn't feel great, but I always say the feeling of a comeback is always greater, so we have to work for that,” he said, emphasizing the importance of bouncing back from the disappointment.

"It's a big chance for us. We will try and win it together, with our fans." 💙🤍 Fabian's thoughts ahead of #BHAAVL. 💬 @MonsterEnergy 📲

— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) April 1, 2025

When asked if he was surprised that Brighton has the opportunity to move up to fourth in the league with a win against Aston Villa, Hurzeler responded confidently. “Why should that surprise me? We've always been a club that doesn't want to hide behind our ambitions or be seen as the small club. Although we don't have the financial budget of other teams, you can still play a good season and fight for Europe if you stick together as a team,” he said, highlighting the team's ambition and determination to succeed despite limited resources.

Hurzeler then emphasized the need for intensity as Brighton prepares to face Aston Villa at Villa Park, a challenging fixture that marks the beginning of the final stretch of the season.

Fabian Hurzeler acknowledged that Brighton's upcoming match against Aston Villa will be a fiercely contested encounter. “It's a duel where we know that it will be a big fight. We know what Villa look like – a very mature team, very experienced team. They want to get into Europe (through the Premier League),” he said, highlighting Villa's strengths and ambitions.

Hurzeler emphasized the need for Brighton to adopt a more mature and intense approach in order to compete with Villa. “They're still in three competitions and going for a title. I think they have had a great season and it's another chance for us, another opportunity. We have to play very maturely. We have to play with a big intensity. We can't play soft like we played in some moments against Nottingham Forest,” he explained, drawing lessons from their previous match.

To overcome the challenges posed by Villa, Hurzeler stressed the importance of ruthlessness. “We have to be more ruthless, and that's what we have to improve in comparison with the game before. Then I'm sure that we have a big chance tomorrow,” he said, expressing confidence in his team's ability to rise to the occasion.

Despite facing injury setbacks, Hurzeler adopted a positive outlook, viewing the situation as an opportunity for squad players to step up and prove themselves. He revealed that the current injuries provide a chance for many players to push into the first team and demonstrate their worth.

“We see more an opportunity and a chance because we always were able to replace the players who were injured. It's another chance for Brajan Gruda, another chance for Matt O’Riley, another chance for Eiran Cashin. Lewis Dunk is coming back. So I see it more as an opportunity.”

Back to front in a flash! ⚡️ Tariq finished a free-flowing move against Villa in December... 🇬🇭🎯 pic.twitter.com/RER1JbbIUm

— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) April 1, 2025

“I will never complain about the injuries. Georgi and Adam were in a great shape, but that's football. We have to deal with it. We have had to deal with the injuries this season. We are always a team who were able to replace the injured players and now other players have the chance to step in. 

“That's why I'm really looking forward to it – the players who have the possibility now and the chance to start the game or to replace the injured players. They can show their potential and therefore we try to help them, that they can get integrated as quickly as possible.”