Brighton & Hove Albion manager Fabian Hurzeler says he is “not a fan” of the numbers around Brentford’s dire form as the Bees attempt to extend his side’s winless run to six matches.
Thomas Frank’s side have the Premier League’s worst record on the road in 2024/25, taking one point from eight matches.
“They don’t give you any guarantee of winning the game,” Hurzeler said of Brentford’s away results. “We see this as an opportunity to get out of this cycle of bad experiences.
“We have to try to play with more intensity and give a gift to the supporters. Improvement takes time – especially for this young team. This is why we must be patient with them.
Great to see Joel back there. 👊🇳🇱 pic.twitter.com/dDI9dRlnJ6
– Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) December 23, 2024
Brighton results: Hurzeler “responsible”
Albion took the lead but failed to win for the third time in five matches in their 1-1 draw at West Ham on Saturday, missing a succession of chances.
Their 3-1 defeat to Crystal Palace on December 15 was part of a run of one win in their last five home matches in all competitions.
“We have experts for attackers, experts for defenders,” Hurzeler said. “We try to improve the players in every training session.
“I am responsible for the poor results. It’s my responsibility to help the players get out of this situation. I consider it a privilege to work during the Christmas holidays [period].”
Score your first #PL the goal feels good… 🤩 pic.twitter.com/zHAT5euV9p
– Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) December 22, 2024
Brighton vs Brentford: visitors are “strong”
Hurzeler said centre-back Adam Webster or winger Solly March could return from injury on the bench against their 12th-ranked opponents, while hoping Mats Wieffer will not be bothered by an injury which saw him substituted in the second half at the London Stadium. .
He described Jan Paul van Hecke as a “warrior” after the centre-back played with a bandage on his head for much of the match following a painful aerial challenge.
Brentford suffered their first home defeat of the season on Saturday, losing 2-0 to fourth-placed Nottingham Forest. “They’re really intense,” Hurzeler said.
“They focus on the things they can influence…they really take care of the little details.” Against the big teams they play with a five-man defense, so let’s see if they come with that against us or with a four-man defense.
“They are very flexible – a strong team with a very good coach, who has shown very good development [under Frank]. This is a big challenge for us.
