'Not happy' - Brighton make Georginio Rutter admission amid Leeds United return
Leeds United vs Brighton in the Premier League from the Elland Road - Sunday, 3pm
Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler feels Georginio is in “a good place” ahead of his return to Leeds United.
Georginio, 24, has struggled for Brighton this term with three goals in the Premier League and just one start from Albion’s last seven matches.
The French striker joined Brighton from Leeds in 2024 for a club record £40m. He had an encouraging first season with the Seagulls but his form has tailed off this campaign.
Danny Welbeck has been Hurzeler’s first choice striker, while Jack Hinshelwood is performing well in the No 10 role - Georginio’s favourite position.
“I feel that he's in a good place, of course he's not happy with his game, that's normal,” said Hurzeler ahead of Sunday’s clash at Elland Road.
“But I feel that he's there for the teammates, that he's there for the club and that's the most important, that everyone puts their ego behind the success of the club.
”That's what I always emphasise, it's team first and there are some moments you have to put your ego behind.
De Cuyper is an example for Georginio
“We just spoke about Maxime De Cuyper,” Hurzeler added. “He's a great example, he's as a big player and played several games for Belgium, but he didn't play many minutes for us because Ferdi [Kadioglu did well.
“Mats Wieffer did well and now we missed Mats the last weeks and Maxim replaced him in a very impressive way.”
”You can only do this if you train hard every day, if you put the ego behind and emphasise the value togetherness and that's what I praise the team day by day and that's just a prime example for that.
He’s not happy
“So regarding Georginio, he's in a good place. I know he's not happy about his game minutes but he's 100 per cent committed.
“100 per cent wanting to contribute the best impact he can do towards the team and therefore I'm really pleased how he's doing .”