Brighton vs Crystal Palace in the Premier League from the Amex Stadium - Sunday, 2pm
Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler insists he’s in no way “jealous” of Crystal Palace’s spend during the winter transfer window.
The Seagulls had a quiet month with £1m spent to bring back veteran midfielder Pascal Gross from Borussia Dortmund, while Matt O’Riley returned from his loan at Marseille.
Palace, in contrast, were the biggest spenders in the Premier League as they twice smashed their transfer record, bringing Brennan Johnson in from Tottenham and then spending £48million on Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen. They also added Aston Villa’s summer signing Guessand
The sale of club captain Marc Guehi to Manchester City was however a tough one to take for Palace head coach Oliver Glasner.
Hurzeler: I am not jealous
Hurzeler said: “No. Honestly, I'm not jealous. I'm really happy with the squad we have here.
“I'm focusing on my squad. I'm focusing on our process. I'm focusing on our development.
“We know we still have a lot of work to do but we also know that we have a lot of potential in the squad and I have a lot of belief.
“I think that's the main thing. The belief I have into this group to achieve the things we want to achieve is unbelievably high because I see them working together.
“I see how they support each other, how they hold each other accountable, how they just behave with each other.
“I think this togetherness is sometimes more important than spending a lot of money because in the end I think mentality, togetherness can beat individual quality and that was always the way from Brighton.”
Palace win can kick start Brighton’s season
Hurzeler also said the clash with Palace on Sunday gives his side a chance to “bounce back” following their recent slump in form.
The Seagulls sit in 13th position and are just two points above their opponents, but a win could catapult them back into the top half of the table.
However, following a run of one win from 11 league matches, three points in the M23 derby could prove difficult.
“It’s more managing the key moments of the game so one focus was definitely game management in certain moments of the game.
“I think the last two games it cost us points and we definitely have to do it better, and I take responsibility for that.
“Our approach will be the same. We try to go there, we try to win this game for fans, for supporters. We know the meaning of the game. We know that it’s a big game for the club and for everyone.
“We see it as a big opportunity to bounce back, to stop this negative front, and therefore, we’re really looking forward to it. We’re looking forward to this game, and for this challenge, and we are ready for that.”
Hurzeler confirmed Diego Gomez will be available for selection but Yasin Ayari misses out with a shoulder injury. Jack Hinshelwood is available after illness.
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