Brighton make fresh Lewis Dunk admission after Nottingham Forest bid
Aston Villa vs Brighton from Villa Park - Wednesday, 7.45pm
Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler said he looked his skipper Lewis Dunk in eyes and said he “needs him” after Nottingham Forest’s bid to sign him in the last transfer window.
Brighton reportedly accepted an offer from Sean Dyche’s relegation battlers but the skipper decided against the move to the City Ground.
Dunk has been a key man for the Seagulls this term with 23 starts from 24 Premier League appearances.
His experience will be vital to Hurzeler as Brighton look to snap a poor run of form that has seen them win just once in their last 12 league fixtures.
“I need him here,” said Fabian Hurzeler ahead of Brighton clash with third placed Aston Villa at Villa Park.
“There’s two perspectives. There’s always rumours in the transfer window but what’s most important is Lewis’ perspective.
“I give a lot of focus and attention to his perspective. We had a good chat, we looked in each others eyes and we spoke about it.
“Then he made his decision, and I’m really appreciating his decision.”
Dunk was critical of his teammates after their 1-0 home loss to Crystal Palace last week, a defeat that saw them slide to 14th in the table.
Hurzeler, who was booed by the home supporters at the Amex last week, received a timely boost this week as Jan Paul van Hecke, who missed the Palace loss, is available after a slight hamstring issue.
Hurzeler wants better relationship with fans
"I'm 100 per cent convinced we can get together closer,” said Hurzeler on the best way to re-connect with the Albion fanbase.
“Wins are always the best way to heal relationships.”
“There are a lot of emotions – the supporters come to the game to see us winning and performing good, and we didn’t do this in the last game against Palace.
“Therefore, especially me personally deserves the boos, and I will take responsibility for that – but I also will say that we definitely want to show a reaction tomorrow.”
Hurzeler added: “That is a positive thing in football, that you always have the next opportunity. The next opportunity is Villa and we are positive that we go there and try to win this game.”
The returning Van Hecke will likely partner Dunk, with Olivier Boscagli expected to drop to the bench.
Dutch international Mats Wieffer is also “getting closer” after missing the last six matches with a toe injury.