Brighton issue Carlos Baleba statement after Manchester United decision
Reaction from Brighton’s 3-0 loss to Manchester United at the Amex Stadium
Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler said Carlos Baleba felt "quite tired" ahead of the final Premier League match of the season against Manchester United.
Baleba had started the last four fixtures for the Seagulls but dropped to the bench for the season-ending 3-0 loss. The 22-year-old Cameroon international has struggled for the most this season after a big money move to Manchester United failed to materialise last summer.
Hurzeler went with the experienced combination of Pascal Gross and James Milner instead.
Hurzeler: Baleba felt tired
"Carlos struggled a little last week against Leeds regarding his physical condition," said Hurzeler to Sussex World. "During the week he still felt quite tired, so that’s why we made the change."
"We know Carlos gives us something special, but overall it was also a decision based on experience. We wanted players on the pitch who had been through difficult periods with us this season.
First half goals from Patrick Dorgu and Bryan Mbeumo gave Brighton a mountain to climb and the visitors sealed victory with a 50th minute third from Bruno Fernandes.
Hurzeler added: "Overall, I trusted the team and everyone who started today.
"Afterwards, of course, it’s always easier to judge decisions, but we went into the game with conviction."
Conference League football for Brighton
Despite the defeat - Albion's third in four matches - Brighton finished eighth in the Premier League and qualified for European football for only the second time in their history. They will compete in the Conference League next term.
Hurzeler said: "It’s a mixed feeling. On one side, it was the worst possible timing for that kind of performance. But on the other side, when you reflect on the season as a whole, it’s definitely an achievement.
"We are Brighton, and this is the second time the club has qualified for Europe, so we should see it as an achievement."