Olivier Boscagli believes that Brighton have been capable of more “consistency” in their opening five matches of the 2026-27 Premier League season.
Fabian Hurzeler’s Seagulls currently sit third in the top flight with ten points, came through a play-off to reach league phase of the UEFA Conference League, and are through to the fourth round of this season’s Carabao Cup after a 3-2 third-round comeback at Manchester United from 2-0 down.
Boscagli though feels that his team has lacked consistency in fulfilling their potential as he explained to Brighton’s website that he hopes that they can improve if want to secure more European qualification for next season.
“I am really happy with it, but on the other hand it is a bit frustrating because we know we can do better. Against Chelsea and Leeds we only played to our potential for one half. Against Chelsea, that was not enough to win the game, although against Leeds, it could have been. I just hope those are not the kind of points we are going to miss at the end of the season.
“Of course, it is nice to see the strong character of the team. It is difficult to stand up when you concede a goal early in the game, especially when you have a specific game plan to counter the different opposition. It is good to see that we had this reaction and that we can score at any moment because we know we are a strong attacking team.
“However, clean sheets are also really important. The way we conceded goals against Chelsea and Leeds was way too easy. We were not really alive in those moments, and it cost us points. It makes you frustrated, but there are still a lot of positives to take.
“It is just the beginning of the season, so there is plenty to learn. We have a lot of players missing, so it is about recognising we have to step up and stop making these mistakes. Sometimes it is good that these things happen early in the season so you have time to correct them. It is nice to see how the boys reacted, but we know we still have a lot to improve.”
With five clean sheets in eight matches across all competitions, the 28-year-old defender iterated that the team are still adapting with a mixture of out-of-position play or reduced game time for other players.
“Some players are not playing in their natural positions, some are playing less, and others are still injured and struggling to come back. We cannot hide behind this. We know that when they return, they will bring us more power and energy, but we have to make sure that the players currently on the pitch do the job.
“We saw recently that we can do the job, whether in the Conference League or against Aston Villa. We have the quality. The challenge now is to replicate it every game and maintain the same level every weekend, which is where we are struggling a bit at the moment.”
Boscagli therefore has called on his teammates to find their basics and cut out defensive errors if want to keep improving.
“We have to find our fundamentals again, focus on what we are good at, and erase the mistakes. These early-season games gave us a lot of confidence, especially the Tromso qualification and the match against Aston Villa.
“It is funny because some people focus entirely on the red card for Villa in that game, but our strong performance was established before the red card. We know we have the quality; we just need to deliver it for 95 minutes.
“Every competition is going to be hard and long. We are looking forward to getting all our players back because it will make a big difference, but for now, we have to step up regardless of who is on the pitch.”
Boscagli scored one goal in 12 appearances in the entirety of last season but has quickly adapted this season as he became a first-team regular, but relished the challenge of having learn English football which has helped shaped his progress as a player.
‘Quickly’ is not the word I would use. I struggled a bit last year with my game time. Coming to the Premier League is a dream for every player, but it is just the beginning of a long journey. Adapting to the Premier League is totally different from other leagues; that is why it is the best league in the world.
“It took time to learn about the intensity of the Premier League, what our manager wants and what the team needs. I knew I had to keep my head up and learn from the situation. There are hard moments in every career. Even the best players in the world struggle at some point, so I knew I could handle it.
“I tried to start this pre-season really strongly to present myself in the best way possible. It is working at the moment because I have been on the pitch for almost every minute. It rewards your hard work and proves that just because you struggled the year before, it doesn’t mean you can’t make it.”
Now that he is a first-team regular, Boscagli is enjoying his game time this season but is thankful to Hurzeler for showing belief in him after his difficult rookie season at the club.
“As a football player, there is nothing better than being on the pitch. Our number one goal is to play as many minutes as possible. When you get that reward from the manager, the players and the staff, it gives you so much confidence. When they show their gratitude and make it clear that you are important to the team, it is the best feeling.
“They trusted me from day one. Even when I was struggling, they continued to support me. When you finally succeed, it is a reward for them too, because they worked with you through the tough times. They see you struggle, but they also see you happy when you find success.
“It feels like a family that is trying to help you. Ultimately, I just want to be on the pitch and help the team with my qualities. That is what I am doing at the moment, and it makes me very happy.”