Hürzeler Pleased Brighton “suffered” in Win at Newcastle

Brighton Head Coach, Fabian Hürzeler was pleased at how his team “suffered a lot,” in their 1-0 win at Newcastle United.

Danny Welbeck netted a 35th minute winner following an one-two move with Georginio Rutter, which condemned Newcastle to a first home defeat since January in all competitions.

Hürzeler’s Seagulls consequently climbed to fifth in the Premier League table, but the Texas-born 31 year-old was pleased at how his team suffered as a collective despite the “luck” of Welbeck’s winner.

“The first half was what we expected from Newcastle with a lot of intensity and rotation and we suffered a lot,” commented Hürzeler who believed that the Magpies were better in the first half.

“They were better in the first half and we had a bit of luck, but we showed a brilliant reaction in the second half. My team suffered together and defended together and that is why I am happy for them that they got the result.

“I loved the clean sheet and I always say that defences win championships.”

Hürzeler also acknowledged the defensive improvement in contrast to their 4-2 defeat at Chelsea in their last away match, as he iterated that lessons had been learned from that experience.

“We got smashed against Chelsea but we learned from that. Not everything was perfect today but in the second half our structure was much better. But the luck will come to you if you work hard and follow the process.”

Welbeck however had suffered a back injury late in the second half which saw him stretchered off the pitch, although he was able to travel back with his teammates post-match to Brighton.

“Hopefully it’s not too bad but he will have a scan and then we will know more,” said Hürzeler on the potential extent of Welbeck’s injury as he praised the England international for his work ethic.

“At the time he scored we didn’t deserve the goal, but Danny showed his quality. We worked the move well. It’s impressive how Danny works for the team and counter presses.

“He is a role model for the younger players and when you work hard like he does you get what you deserve.”