'A lot of disappointment' - Fabian Hurzeler makes Ferdi Kadioglu and Brighton admission after summer frustration

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Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler has backed Ferdi Kadioglu to rediscover his best form.

The Turkey international was excellent for Albion last term but has so far struggled in the early stages of the new campaign, particularly at Chelsea and then during last Saturday's 1-1 draw against Leeds United.

Last term Kadioglu made 42 appearances in all competitions - mainly at left back - as his high-energy displays earned him the club's Player of the Year award.

He then suffered a disappointing World Cup as his country finished bottom of Group D after defeats to Australia and Paraguay.

Does Kadioglu start at Coventry?

Against Leeds, Kadioglu played at right back in the absence of the injured Mats Wieffer. He was replaced by summer signing Costinha in the closing stages and now Hurzeler must decide if Kadioglu starts at newly-promoted Coventry this Sunday.

"What we need to understand is he's also a human being," said head coach Hurzeler to Sussex World.

"He had a really good last season, he went into the World Cup with a lot of expectations on the country, a lot of expectations on himself after this strong season.

"He had a very frustrating World Cup, a lot of disappointments for him, for the country and then he went into a short holiday.

"Some of the players can cope with this better, some of the players need more time.

“With him, we know what he's capable of doing. He has all the support from us, he has all the support from his teammates and for sure we will get him back on track."

Olivier Boscagli has played left back this season and Albion also signed another leftie during the summer as Algerian Jaouen Hadjam signed from Swiss club Young Boys.

Kadioglu is not a robot

Costinha and Hadjam will provide serious competition in the full back roles for Kadioglu this term as Albion compete across the Uefa Conference League, the Premier League and the domestic cups this season.

Hurzeler added: "First of all, he needs to get back on track, but also he needs to know that he has all the support from us, from me, from his teammates, from the coaching team and we will get him back on his highest level and then he will be a big player for us again.

"It's important that he's not a robot, no player can do this, perform always, always he on the highest level.

"There will be some waves in the performances, but what made him strong last season was his consistency in the performances and he will get back this consistency and that's why we will help him to get this."

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