Fabian Hurzeler's two-word response to Carlos Baleba after Manchester United question
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One of the biggest challenges for Fabian Hurzeler this season has been the miss-firing Carlos Baleba.
The Cameroon international wanted to join Manchester United in last summer's transfer window but the move failed to go through.
It clearly impacted Baleba and his performances for Brighton suffered badly as a result.
The 22-year-old completed 90 minutes just three times in the Premier League and had no goals and no assists from 31 Premier League appearances and 23 starts.
Baleba was ‘quite tired’
He was benched for the final game of the season against Manchester United as Hurzeler told Sussex World that he "struggled physically" in the previous match at Leeds and was "quite tired" ahead of the United clash.
In truth he has looked a long way short of a £100m player and his future remains uncertain this summer.
Hurzeler though gave an emphatic two-word response to Sussex World, when asked if he wants to work with Baleba again next season.
"100 per cent," said the German head coach who steered Brighton to eighth place this term and Conference League qualification.
Baleba is contracted with Brighton until 2028 and it is thought the club have an option of a further year.
Out of contract
Brighton also have a number of players out of contract this summer with the likes of Solly March, James Milner, Adam Webster and Joel Veltman.
There’s also plenty of transfer speculation for Matt O’Riley, Igor Julio, Jan Paul van Hecke, Bart Verbruggen and of course Baleba.
Hurzeler added: “Now it’s important to analyse the squad and understand what was good, what was bad, and where we need to improve.
“Some contracts are running out, so there will be a lot of planning for next season.
“But we are a very well-structured club and I really trust Tony [Bloom], Paul [Barber] to make the right decisions for the club. I’m looking forward to the challenge.”