Fabian Hurzeler makes Roberto De Zerbi and Brighton claim as European spot sealed
All the reaction from Brighton’s 3-0 Premier League loss to Manchester United
Fabian Hurzeler acknowledged Roberto De Zerbi's contribution as Brighton sealed European football for only the second time in their history.
The Seagulls suffered a 3-0 home loss to Manchester United on the final day of the season but finished eighth in the Premier League and qualified for the Conference League - Europe's third tier competition.
Albion last qualified for European competition in 2023-24 under previous boss Roberto De Zerbi.
The Italian left Brighton in 2024 to join Marseille and has since returned to Premier League with Tottenham and helped them avoid relegation.
De Zerbi ‘laid foundations’ at Brighton
"I don’t try to replicate the achievements of the coaches before me because Roberto De Zerbi was a great coach for Brighton," said Hurzeler after the Manchester United loss.
"He achieved unbelievable things with this club and laid the foundations for the success we’ve had over the last few years."
De Zerbi guided Brighton to sixth in the Premier League - their highest ever finish - and 11th the following year as a Europa League campaign stretched an injury-hit squad.
Hurzeler added: "We finished eighth last season and eighth again this season, which shows consistency in our ability to challenge the established clubs.
"That’s something we should continue to do in the coming years."
A first for Hurzeler
Brighton will have to start planning their squad to cope with the added fixtures and travel that Conference League football will bring.
“It’s another great opportunity to show how far we can go as a team and to take the next step,” said the 33-year-old German, who will be coaching in European football for the first time.
“Of course, it’s a new experience and we’ll face different teams, but we have to approach it positively, with togetherness and a strong work ethic. Then we’ll see where it takes us.”