‘He demands a lot, and I like that’ - Brighton legend hails Fabian Hurzeler
Pascal Gross has revealed he felt pressure to prove himself on his return to Brighton and Hove Albion, admitting he wanted to show the club had made the right decision to bring him back.
The midfielder, quoted in a recent Albion matchday programme, said his bond with the club and city remained strong throughout his time at Borussia Dortmund.
But that emotional connection brought added responsibility when he stepped out in front of Brighton’s supporters again.
“It was amazing,” Gross said.
"The connection I have with the city and the fans is really special.
“I felt a bit of pressure in that first game because I wanted to perform. I didn’t want people saying, ‘He’s not as good anymore,’ which can happen when you return.
“I wanted to repay the trust the club showed in me with strong performances. Ultimately, the only thing that matters is how you perform on the pitch. I want people to look back on this second spell and say it was a good decision to bring me back.”
The 35-year-old described joining Dortmund as the fulfilment of a childhood dream, having visited the stadium with his father as a youngster.
The opportunity to play for his favourite club and experience the Champions League was, he said, a ‘now-or-never chance’.
Yet Brighton continued to feel like home.
“I missed the special connection I have with the people here,” he said.
“I was here for seven years, got married here and both my kids were born in England. The most important milestones in my life happened here.
“I missed my friends and the feeling of being deeply connected to the club. Even in Germany, I still watched all their games. The connection stayed so strong that I knew I wanted to come back at some point.”
Gross also spoke warmly about his relationship with Fabian Hurzeler, saying the head coach’s demands and determination to improve had helped build trust between them.
“He demands a lot, and I like that,” he said.
“He works well with both the senior group and the young players, pushing us to improve every day.”
Looking to Albion’s Conference League campaign, Gross believes the squad can draw on lessons from their first European adventure.
He said Brighton initially lacked experience in the Europa League before winning their group, but were punished by a more experienced Roma side in the knockout stages.
Adapting to matches every three days, different travel demands and refereeing would be important, he added.
“We have more experienced players now, including guys who play for their national teams in different countries, so I’m very hopeful.”
Above all, Gross remains determined to reward the backing he has received.
“I want to pay back the trust of the owner, the board, the coaches and the fans,” he said.
“I’ve played here for a long time during good periods too, and I want to keep giving the fans good performances.”