Hurzeler admits “every win in the Premier League” means a lot to him after Brighton got past Ipswich at Portman Road
Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler was happy to get three points against Ipswich despite his players not being at their best.
The Seagulls won 2-0 at Portman Road thanks to second-half goals from Kaoru Mitoma and Georginio Rutter.
This extends the south coast side’s unbeaten run to six games, although there were too many draws for the head coach’s liking.
But this was a victory he will surely salvage.
After the game he said: “It wasn’t the best performance from us, but in the end we controlled the game and were stable without possession of the ball.”
“We created more chances in the second half, so we deserved to win. I’m happy about it.
“We have suffered during this time and this victory should give us belief and confidence. Now we have to prepare for the next challenge.
FT: BACK TO THE VICTORY ROAD IN THE #PL! 🙌
(0-2) 📲 #IPSBHA // #BHAFC 🟡🔵 pic.twitter.com/mFgrI0QAhk
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) January 16, 2025
“We tried to force it too much in the first half. We didn’t get our positioning right.
“We changed a few things. In the second half they played more intensely and pressed better, but we were more dominant and created more chances. That’s why I think we deserve it.
“Every win in the Premier League means a lot to me because it is very difficult to win in this league. We’ve seen that in the last few weeks.
“We showed great performances, sometimes even better than today, but in the end the result is the most important thing. We are happy, but there is only a short time to be happy. We need to focus on what’s next.”
Hurzeler was particularly impressed by Rutter, who made his way into the team this season.
He added: “I’m impressed with his attitude and how positive he always is. He always has a smile on his face. He really enjoys being on the pitch and playing with the boys.
“He has a lot of important experience in the championship. He is a good finisher and I am very happy that he is here. But there are a lot of things to improve and he knows that.
“We’re trying to provide him with an environment where he can improve every day.”
Meanwhile, Kieran McKenna accused his Ipswich players of losing faith towards the end of the game.
Defeat at Portman Road.#IPSBHA | @Nustone_UK pic.twitter.com/9Q1TbPYzOA
— IPSWICH TOWN (@IpswichTown) January 16, 2025
The Tractor Boys held firm for the first hour but collapsed after conceding the first goal.
McKenna said: “It was a really even game until the first goal. In the first 60 minutes we were the more dangerous team, had the better opportunities and got into better areas, but the first goal was bad and then the game got past us.
“We lost faith in ourselves on the pitch, they used better substitutes and got ahead and in the last 30 minutes they were the better team.”
“We didn’t defend well enough to stop the goal and we need to find a better answer, but we couldn’t do that today.”
