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Fabian Hurzeler has revealed the sympathetic message he sent to Luka Vuskovic after a seven-goal nightmare.
The Albion boss knew exactly how his centre-back was feeling after suffering a 7-0 defeat with Croatia against England.
And he was delighted to see the response against Spain in midweek.
Vuskovic has been the first summer signing to really make a big impact with the Seagulls this season.
His club form earned him a starting role in a back four under Croatia boss Slaven Bilic.
But it all went horribly wrong as Harry Kane and company ran riot in Rjjeka.
Hurzeler has been there – as we all know too well.
He saw his Albion side beaten 7-0 at Nottingham Forest two seasons ago but the response was one of their best runs under his tenure, including back-to-back home wins over Chelsea and a thrashing of Southampton.
Brighton and Hove Albion manager Fabian Hurzeler (left)looks dejected at the final whistle following the Premier League match at the City Ground, Nottingham. Picture date: Saturday February 1, 2025. PA Photo. See PA story SOCCER Forest. Photo credit should read: Mike Egerton/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or
Fabian Hurzeler reflects on Albion's 7-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest (Image: Mike Egerton/PA Wire)
Hurzeler said: “I texted him after he conceded seven goals.
“I texted him, ‘I also lost with seven goals and it was my biggest lesson so far in my managing career’.
“When you use this failure to get better, then you will get a better personality and better player.
“How he came back was impressive, a very positive mood.
“Of course, we and he spoke a little bit about these experiences in the national team.
“Some players experienced good things. Some players, more bad things.
“But overall now we are all back in the Brighton boat and we all have to get the players on the same page.
“That is what we were trying to do with the players, no matter which experience they had in their time with the national team.”
Hurzeler watched the game, in which Jason Steele was on the bench for the Three Lions, as Vuskovic was left exposed in the heart of defence.
He said: “I was also feeling for him, but on the other side if I'm honest, I was satisfied how England was playing.
“So really happy also for Thomas (Tuchel) that he is doing such a great job and is so successful with his country, with England.
“I mentioned that I get more and more of an England supporter, so therefore I'm a fan of football.
“If you're a fan of football, then you should also praise the England game.
“Croatia is normally a really, really big football country who is very competitive in the world and I'm sure they will bounce back, so let's see how it's going.”
Vuskovic kept his place against Spain when Croatia, like England, led the world champions but suffered a narrow defeat.
He looks set to face Sunderland and the big talking point could be whether Lewis Dunk returns alongside him after a minor neck injury or Pascal Struijk keeps his place.
The Dutchman started wins against both Manchester United and Arsenal.
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Hurzeler said: “He waited for his chance. He played a really good game at United.
“Then he played a really good game against Arsenal.
“Besides Lewis and Luka, we are doing well. Now (Michael) Svoboda is also back in the squad so I have four really good centre-backs and that's not a pain for me, that's more like a good sign and a good selection.
"We have seven games in in 22 days and therefore all these players we need and all these players will have game minutes."