‘Fabian Hurzeler under pressure after clashing with Brighton fans’
Fabian Hurzeler is facing increasing pressure on his position at Brighton as fans are beginning to grow frustrated with his management.
That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that clashing with supporters often signals the beginning of the end.
During their 2-2 draw against all-but-relegated Leicester City, the supporters were vocal in their frustrations towards Hurzeler as boos echoed around the Amex.
Brighton are currently on a five-game winless run, which saw them dumped out of the FA Cup before a defeat to arch-rivals Crystal Palace.
As a result, they have dropped out of the European qualification places.
Brighton to make Fabian Hurzeler sack decision amid fan anger
Brown previously told Football Insider that Hurzeler had come under pressure at Brighton following the 7-0 defeat against Nottingham Forest earlier this season.
The former scout, who has a wealth of experience working with elite-level managers including the likes of Ron Atkinson and Sir Alex Ferguson for over a decade at Man United, insisted that the boss is unlikely to be sacked but must win over the fans.
“Hurzeler is facing a bit of pressure now at Brighton,” he told Football Insider.
“It’s inevitable if you’re clashing with the home fans, and it seems to me like they’re not happy.
“They’re in a tricky run of form and have just drawn with Leicester at home, and you could hear the fans booing that result.
“I think he’s becoming a victim of Brighton’s recent success.
“The expectations there have gone through the roof because of what they’ve been able to do over the last couple of seasons in terms of challenging for Europe.
“The fans, and to some extent the board, now expect that level of performance every year.
“They’re still high up the league and in that battle to qualify, and that should be considered a good season even if they miss out, but that’s not always how it goes.
“I don’t think he’ll be sacked, but there’s no doubt there is pressure building because he needs to get those fans back on his side.”
Carlos Baleba update emerges amid Liverpool interest
Amid pressure from the stands, Hurzeler is also planning for the future at the Amex as a number of his current first-team stars have been linked with moves away.
Football Insider revealed in March that Liverpool are keeping tabs on Carlos Baleba as Arne Slot views him as a potential improvement for his midfield options.
However, Liverpool have been deterred by Brighton’s asking price after learning it could take £100million to prise the midfielder away from the Seagulls.
The Cameroon international has been a key part of Hurzeler’s side this season and they are not willing to let him go for less than their asking price.
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