Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler has responded to recent links to Bayer Leverkusen.
The German has been heavily linked with a return to the Bundesliga in recent weeks, with Leverkusen scouring the market for a replacement for Kasper Hjulmand this summer.
Hurzeler is said to have been identified as their top target to succeed the Danish boss, with their admiration dating back to his time with St. Pauli.
However, despite claims that Leverkusen have not been deterred by the 33-year-old’s release clause and expect to hold talks with the Brighton boss this summer, Hurzeler has labelled the talks as simply ‘rumours and speculation’.
Quizzed on the reports, the 33-year-old told Sky Sports: “First of all, of course, it’s always an honour to be linked with these kinds of rumours and speculation, but I’m really happy here at Brighton.
“I’m very thankful for the trust and support the club gives me, Tony (Bloom), Paul (Barber) gave me. Overall, I’m really enjoying the time here, and therefore we are focused on a strong finish to the season.”
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Hurzeler was then pressed on whether he is wholeheartedly committed to Brighton, to which he replied: “I’m definitely totally committed. There are no other thoughts. In football, there is not always this loyalty, not always this support from a club.
“I really feel trusted and welcomed here. I can express myself, I can be successful with this team. There are so many things to play for until the end of the season. That’s my only focus.”
It has been a rollercoaster of a campaign for Brighton so far, but they currently find themselves in the conversation for European football after winning four of their last five matches.
However, their recent impressive run has come on the back of a dismal winter period, where the Seagulls won just one of 13 Premier League matches, prompting some supporters to call for Hurzeler to be sacked.
The Brighton head coach’s contract at the Amex Stadium runs until June 2027, and it remains to be seen whether Bloom is keen to extend his stay on the Sussex coast at the end of the season with another show of faith in the young manager.