‘That stays in my mind’ – Fabian Hurzeler reflects on painful Crystal Palace memories as Brighton seek revenge

Supporters chanted for the Brighton head coach to lose his job during February’s 1-0 defeat at the Amex – a painful afternoon that remains firmly in his memory.

The mood could scarcely be more different now.

Albion are third in the Premier League and head into Sunday’s derby following a 4-0 UEFA Conference League victory over Kauno Zalgiris, with confidence growing on the pitch and in the stands.

Yet Hurzeler has not forgotten the criticism, admitting he had not expected the reaction from supporters last season.

“Did I expect it? No, I didn’t expect that because I think we had great experiences before,” he said.

“We achieved great things the season before and therefore I know that football is a game of emotions and I will never take the emotions away from the fans.”

Asked how he had responded after that difficult derby, Hurzeler described a straightforward routine.

“I drove home, I watched the game back, disappointed, frustrated,” he said.

“Next day I stood up and went in front of the group and kept pushing and kept sending the same messages.

“That’s what I always do, that’s what I do in good times, that’s what I do in bad times.”

For Hurzeler, maintaining that consistency was essential, both after painful defeats and during the victories that have since changed the mood around the club.

He added: “As a coach you should be always predictable for the players.

“As a coach you set the tone, as a coach you should be the role model for which energy you transfer to the group.”

Rather than allowing the criticism to drive a wedge between himself and supporters, the German said he treated it as an opportunity to strengthen that relationship.

“It’s not only building connection when everything is nice,” he said.

“You also have to build connection when it’s tough.

“I always embrace feedback, criticism, especially when it comes from our supporters and then I will try to find solutions for them and make them happy again.”

Brighton’s recent performances have certainly helped achieve that. But Hurzeler is conscious of how quickly football can change, and Palace represent a significant remaining hurdle.

Asked what he enjoys most about the rivalry, he replied: “Nothing yet, because I didn’t win any games so far, so hopefully on Sunday this changes.”

There was no attempt to downplay its importance.

“It’s a derby, it’s more emotions, it’s a rivalry, it’s us against Crystal Palace,” he said.

“We try to go all in for our city, we try to go all in for the fans, for the supporters, and hopefully we can give them the win.”

Hurzeler also acknowledged that the previous meeting gives this occasion an additional personal significance.

“With my history, I know we spoke about the situation, what happened after the last derby, and of course that stays also in my mind,” he said.

Told that some supporters now regard this as the best time there has ever been to follow Brighton, his response combined delight with caution.

“It’s very important to stay humble, because I experienced that it can also go in another direction..

“I’m really happy for them, it’s great that they have this feeling.”

A derby victory would provide another powerful moment in that turnaround – and Hurzeler even suggested he would welcome the chance to celebrate among the supporters.

“I would love to do it,” he said.

“In my journey so far with this club, we’ve experienced a lot of really, really positive things, but one thing is still missing.”