Hürzeler Praises “character” and “personality” in Brighton Comeback Over Tottenham

Brighton Head Coach, Fabian Hürzeler believes his team showed “character” and “personality” to beat Tottenham in a five-goal thriller.

Second-half comeback goals from Yankuba Minteh, Georginio Rutter and Danny Welbeck propelled Brighton up to sixth in the Premier League, after Brennan Johnson and James Maddison had put Spurs ahead at half-time.

Speaking post-match to the media, Hürzeler felt that his Seagulls “were missing intensity” in the first-half, but rebounded following a half-time reflection on their performance.

“At half-time we said we had to fulfil the match plan with more intensity. We had to get our confidence back by making the small things right and focusing on the things we could control.

“In the first half Tottenham played with intensity and we weren’t ready for this. If you have self-confidence you get in the flow. And they worked hard for this flow, to create and score these goals.

“They won the crowd back with the energy they showed on the pitch in the second half.”

Hürzeler consequently welcomed the second-half comeback as he praised his squad for their accountability and characterization.

“I’m really proud how the team reacted because at half-time they took the responsibility. They showed character, they showed personality, and the reaction was great in the second half. We have great characters in the team.”

Although the Seagulls are sixth in the top-flight heading into this month’s international break, Hürzeler refused to get drawn on the reality of that position as he credited his team for their learnings and development.

“I don’t judge the performances by the results because in the end I’m completely convinced that if you focus on the process the results will come. It’s normal to have ups and downs, and we had a small down against Chelsea.

“But we learnt from it and if you improve individually and as a group will always get better. The league is so competitive, you must work hard for momentum and use it when you have it. But, of course, I have a lot of trust in the potential of my team.”