Hurzeler wants to break the ‘cycle of bad experiences’ against ‘powerful’ Bees

Brighton & Hove Albion manager Fabian Hurzeler has said he is “not a fan” of Brentford’s poor record as the Bees try to extend their unbeaten run to six matches.

Thomas Frank’s eight-game run on the road is the worst record in the Premier League in 2024/25 ahead of the trip to the Amex Stadium on Friday (7.30pm GMT).

“They don’t give you a guarantee to win the game,” Hurzeler said of Brentford’s results. “We see this as an opportunity to get out of this bad experience.

“We have to try to play very hard and give assists. Improvement takes time – especially for this young team. That’s why we have to be patient with them.”

Good to see Joel out there. 👊🇳🇱 pic.twitter.com/dDI9dRlnJ6

– Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) December 23, 2024

Brighton results: Hurzeler ‘in charge’

Albion took the lead but fell short of a third win in five games in their 1-1 draw at West Ham on Saturday, denying them a chance to make it back-to-back.

Their 3-1 defeat against Crystal Palace on 15 December was part of a run of one win in their last five home games in all competitions.

“We have professional hitters, professional defenders,” Hurzeler said. “We try to improve the players every training session.

“I am the one to blame for the negative consequences.” It is my responsibility to help the players to get out of this problem. I consider it a great privilege to work on Christmas (time).”

Scoring your first #PL the goal is to feel good… 🤩 pic.twitter.com/zHAT5euV9p

– Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) December 22, 2024

Brighton vs Brentford: ‘Strong’ visitors

Full-back Adam Webster or winger Solly March could return from injury on the bench against their 12th-placed opponents, while Hurzeler believes midfielder Mats Wieffer will not suffer from the injury that saw him substituted in the second half at the London Stadium.

Hurzeler described Jan Paul van Hecke as a “warrior” at full-back after playing with a bandage on his head for most of the game following a mid-air injury.

Brentford suffered their first home defeat of the season on Saturday, losing 2-0 to fourth-placed Nottingham Forest. “He’s very tough,” Hurzeler said.

“They focus on the things they can affect… they pay attention to the little things. Against big teams, they play with a back five, let’s see if they come with us or a back four.

“They are flexible – a strong team with a very good coach, who has shown a very good development (under Frank). It is very difficult for us.”