Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler has apologised to supporters after his side were beaten 1-0 by Aston Villa on Wednesday night.
The defeat leaves the Seagulls with just one win in the Premier League in their last 13 Premier League matches, with that victory coming against relegation-battling Burnley.
Brighton’s downturn in form has led to frustration among some supporters, with that negativity being amplified after their side’s disappointing defeat at the hands of Crystal Palace last weekend, which led to boos and chants being aimed in the direction of Hurzeler.
The ex-St. Pauli boss responded by accepting responsibility for the torrid run of form, and he has now apologised to those who travelled to Villa Park for Wednesday’s loss.
He told Match Of The Day: “I learned a lot about the group in the last days, about their character and how they stick together.
“We showed a good performance and a performance that definitely deserved more than we got today. In the end, we can’t blame luck, and we have to take responsibility.
“I was very pleased with how our supporters supported us for 90 minutes. They definitely deserved more today and therefore we apologise, and I apologise, but we have to keep pushing and trying to get the results we deserve in the next games.”
Brighton defended resolutely throughout the match, but an unfortunate own goal from Jack Hinshelwood in the 86th minute ultimately proved decisive.
Hurzeler’s side were unable to create a clear-cut opening of their own, though Ferdi Kadioglu was unfortunate not to have opened the scoring early in the second half when his shot was tipped onto the crossbar by Emiliano Martinez.
James Milner, who came on to match Gareth Barry’s record for all-time Premier League appearances, was unable to mark the occasion with a goal when steering his header wide after arriving in the Villa penalty area unmarked.