AliousBrighton’s head coach, Fabian Hürzeler, is determined to maintain his team’s strong FA Cup form as they prepare for a challenging Fifth Round clash against Newcastle United. The Seagulls, aiming for only their sixth-ever Quarter-Final appearance, have been on an impressive four-game winning streak, but their upcoming fixture presents a tough test.
Having already knocked out Chelsea with a 2-1 victory in the previous round, Brighton hopes to build on their recent deep runs in the tournament, having reached the Semi-Finals in 2018-19 and 2022-23. The FA Cup holds a special place in the club’s history, particularly their memorable 1983 Final against Manchester United, which ended in a replay defeat. Since joining the Premier League in 2017, Brighton has consistently taken the competition seriously, suffering just one Third Round exit in that time.
Club chairman Tony Bloom and CEO Paul Barber see domestic cups as a major opportunity for Brighton to win their first-ever silverware, a goal Hürzeler fully embraces. The German coach acknowledges the board’s high expectations and is committed to delivering results. While there are no guarantees of a title, he assures fans that the team will give their all on the pitch.
Brighton’s chances of going far in the FA Cup have increased with top clubs like Liverpool, Arsenal, Tottenham, and Chelsea already eliminated. Defending champions Manchester United and last season’s runners-up Manchester City have also struggled for form, making this year’s competition more open than usual. Hürzeler recognizes that while the absence of elite teams slightly increases the odds, the unpredictable nature of the FA Cup means anything can happen in a single-elimination format.
Looking ahead to the Newcastle fixture, Hürzeler stressed the importance of mentality, describing it as a “do-or-die” match where his players must be physically and mentally prepared. He treats FA Cup ties with the same level of detail and intensity as league games but highlights the urgency of knockout football. His experience in high-pressure cup ties, both with Brighton and his former club St. Pauli, has reinforced the importance of preparation and adaptability.
On the injury front, Brighton emerged from their recent 2-1 win over Bournemouth without new concerns. Striker Danny Welbeck returned from injury to score off the bench and is expected to be available again. However, the team remains without key players, including captain Lewis Dunk, Joël Veltman, James Milner, Ferdi Kadıoğlu, Jason Steele, and Igor Julio.
Intensity has become a defining characteristic of Hürzeler’s Brighton side. Since their 7-0 loss to Nottingham Forest, the team has shifted focus from possession-based play to high-energy performances, covering more ground and winning physical battles. Against Newcastle, a team known for their physicality and high work rate, Brighton will need to maintain that intensity to stand a chance of progressing.
Hürzeler believes pushing limits and maintaining high standards will be key in overcoming Newcastle’s challenge. With their FA Cup dream alive, Brighton is prepared to go “all in” as they chase a historic run in the competition.
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