Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler has responded to mounting criticism from fans, with the Seagulls sitting in 12th spot in the Premier League table.
The German’s comments came after the Albion’s frustrating 1-1 draw with Everton, where Pascal Gross scored his first goal since his return to the south coast after a clever dummy from substitute Charalampos Kostoulas, before a collective lapse in concentration presented Toffee’s striker Beto with a tap-in for a 97th-minute equaliser.
The draw leaves Brighton with just one win in their last 11 league games, having drawn against Everton, Bournemouth, Manchester City, Sunderland, and West Ham twice, and lost against Aston Villa, Liverpool, Arsenal and Fulham. Their only win came against relegation-threatened Burnley on January 3rd.
Frustration is growing among some supporters regarding this poor run of form, with Saturday’s full-time whistle met with boos from some areas of the Amex Stadium.
Speaking after the game, Hurzeler told Sussex World: “I think that only a small group of fans, like I just mentioned, they can share the frustration absolutely. They can share the frustration about my person. I know it’s part of the football game. What I can promise is that I will give everything for this club.”
The 32-year-old also assured fans of his commitment to the Seagulls, explaining: “I try to be there for the team every day, but for me the most important thing is that they support the team and I think that’s what they did today brilliantly, and therefore I’m very thankful for them.
“Like I mentioned before the game, I will promise that we are all committed, we all try to give our best, and at the end of the season we will be there, where we want to be, and that’s what I can promise.”
Brighton are still in the race for European football next season, sitting just three points off eighth and seven points off fifth.
However, with February consisting of games against rivals Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, Brentford, Nottingham Forest, and an FA Cup fourth-round tie against Liverpool, Hurzeler’s side must turn their fortunes around and start picking up points sooner rather than later to avoid slipping out of contention.
The former St. Pauli boss finished responding to criticism by saying: “I’m always open for good and negative feedback and therefore I won’t hide.
“I want to go through this challenge together with the fans. I want to be successful together with them because they are the club, and therefore we can only do it together, and that’s what we try to do.”