Alious
Former Brighton manager Gus Poyet believes the club should consistently aim for European competition. Currently 10th in the Premier League, Brighton is still in contention for a Europa League or Conference League spot, but faces a challenging run of fixtures.
Poyet, who managed Brighton from 2009 to 2013, is impressed with the club’s progress. He highlights their previous European experience under Roberto De Zerbi, where they topped their Europa League group before being eliminated by Roma. Poyet emphasizes that regular European qualification should be Brighton’s next target, reflecting the club’s continuous improvement.
Poyet credits Brighton’s chairman, Tony Bloom, for the club’s success, particularly their data-driven transfer strategy. This approach has ensured financial stability and enabled them to compete in the top half of the Premier League. Poyet recalls that Brighton’s early adoption of data-driven recruitment was “ahead of the game” and unique at the time.
Following De Zerbi’s departure, Brighton appointed Fabian Hurzeler, who had led St. Pauli to the top tier of German football. Despite his relative obscurity and status as the youngest permanent Premier League manager, Hurzeler has impressed in his first season. Poyet believes that achieving European football this season, amidst a significant injury crisis, would be a remarkable feat for Hurzeler.
Poyet revealed that he met Hurzeler last year in Germany and was highly impressed by his coaching abilities and his team’s style of play. He expressed that he “wasn’t surprised” by Brighton’s appointment of Hurzeler, stating that Hurzeler was “incredible.”
Alious
