Following Brighton’s disappointing FA Cup quarter-final exit on penalties to Nottingham Forest, Fabian Hurzeler expressed his frustration with his team’s performance. The Brighton boss believed that his players should have raised their level of play to avoid the heartbreak of a shootout defeat.
In a closely contested match, Matz Sels once again proved to be the hero for Forest, saving crucial penalties and propelling his team into the FA Cup semi-finals for the first time in over three decades. Despite their best efforts, Brighton struggled to find their usual rhythm and were unable to secure a victory.
Hurzeler admitted that his team lacked the necessary intensity and resilience, especially in possession. He took responsibility for the loss, emphasizing the need for improvement and a focus on their next matches in order to bounce back from this setback.
Looking ahead, Brighton still have a shot at securing European qualification in the Premier League. With some crucial fixtures remaining, Hurzeler will need to rally his players and ensure they are mentally prepared for the challenges ahead, starting with their upcoming match against Aston Villa at the Amex Stadium.
The Brighton coach stressed the importance of maintaining a positive mindset, regrouping effectively, and putting this defeat behind them as they aim to finish the season strong and achieve their goals in the league. Despite the disappointment in the cup, Hurzeler remains optimistic about their prospects moving forward.
