'Everyone fights' - Brighton explain Carlos Baleba situation after Nottingham Forest win
Nottingham Forest vs Brighton and Hove Albion reaction
Fabian Hurzeler said the decision to drop Carlos Baleba “was not about him” after Brighton’s 2-0 win at Nottingham Forest.
A first half strike from the impressive Maxim De Cuyper and a late goal from substitute Stefanos Tzimas sealed the win and lifted the Seagulls to fifth in the Premier League. It was all the more the sweet as Hurzeler’s Brighton suffered 7-0 loss at the City Ground last term.
Baleba, who was linked with a summer to move to Manchester United, was though a notable absentee from the XI and it’s only the second time the Cameroon international has missed out from the start. The midfielder has been below his best this season and Hurzeler opted for Diego Gomez and Yasin Ayari in the central areas.
Jack Hinshelwood was also used from the bench ahead of Baleba as he replaced Georginio on 56 minutes. Baleba eventually came on for De Cuyper on 86 minutes.
Hurzeler: Why I dropped Carlos Baleba
“It was not a decision against him,” said Hurzeler after the match.
“It was more a decision for Ferdi [Kadioglu] and Maxim [De Cuyper] on the left and we wanted to have Diego as well on the pitch.
“So we put Diego as an aid and I just said it I think after the last game it's about competition, it's about that everyone fights for his place that they compete.”
Hurzeler has previously criticised Baleba for not “being switched on” in defensive situations. He now faces a battle for his place as fit-again Hinshelwood is pushing to start in the middle, along with Gomez, Ayari and James Milner, when fit.
Hurzeler added: “Of course always sticking to our principles, always sticking to the togetherness.
“But I think the availability where we get more and more players back definitely helps.
“We have more competition and that means that we also have to make decisions beside the pitch regarding starting XI.
“Regarding the subs, therefore I hope that it continues like this because then intensity and energy and training should be high.”
No burning the tactics sheet this time
Hurzeler was extremely measured in his post match press. After last term’s 7-0 defeat, Hurzeler burnt his teamsheet and tactics but he was not getting carried away with today’s win and said his only focus in Aston Villa on Wednesday.
“I think I don't have time [to celebrate],” said Hurzeler to Sussex World.
“Because Wednesday is the next game, the next big challenge. So I think it's very important now to recover good, to regenerate good also for the players and then try to prepare the best we can do for Aston Villa.
“Because this will be another big, big challenge where we have to invest a lot and therefore we need to prepare for that.”