Fabian Hurzeler sends ‘it’s time’ Brighton message after Nottingham Forest loss
Fabian Hurzeler has taken to social media to express his disappointment following Brighton’s FA Cup defeat against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
Nuno Espirito Santo, who Forest are trying to tie down to a new contract, eventually prevailed as the Premier League duo had to be separated by a penalty shootout following a 0-0 draw in 120 minutes.
The Seagulls had plenty of chances to fire home a winner, with Joao Pedro even denied in the closing stages of extra time, only to see his effort ruled out for offside on Pervis Estupinan.
Forest are now set to face Pep Guardiola‘s Man City side in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley Stadium, with Brighton now putting all focus and energy into finishing in a European spot in the Premier League.
Fabian Hurzeler disappointed after Brighton’s FA Cup knockout
Taking to Instagram [30 March], Hurzeler wrote: “A tough way to go out, but that’s football – penalties can go either way. Disappointed, but now it’s time to refocus and be ready for the next opportunity.
“We go again,” with the comments filled with hopeful fans, who have nothing but praise for the young manager.
Brighton boss needs European qualification after Nottingham Forest defeat
Football Insider verdict
Despite only taking charge at the Amex Stadium at the start of the season, Hurzeler has been under pressure to perform at Brighton, especially after the 7-0 defeat at The City Ground in February.
While supporters are bound to be disappointed after being knocked out of the FA Cup, European qualification is still very much on the cards via a high finish in the Premier League.
Only two points separate the Seagulls from fourth-place Chelsea, but with Man City, Newcastle, Fulham, Aston Villa and Bournemouth all fighting for a similar spot, the end-of-season run-in is heating up.
| Premier League standings | Points |
| 4. Chelsea | 49 |
| 5. Man City | 48 |
| 6. Newcastle United | 47 |
| 7. Brighton | 47 |
| 8. Fulham | 45 |
Heading into the summer transfer window, it could have major effects on potential exits, with Bart Verbruggen liked by Bayern Munich, Carlos Baleba attracting attention and many others wanting bigger challenges.
If Brighton finish outside of a European spot, it would be unsurprising if multiple Premier League clubs were not to come knocking at the door for cheaper deals, which could make Hurzeler’s job much harder next season.