Fabian Hurzeler known as on Brighton and Hove Albion to play with depth and never give Tottenham any hope as Roberto De Zerbi goals to spice up Spurs’ survival hopes with a win over his former membership.
De Zerbi takes cost of his first residence sport as Spurs boss together with his facet in a dire place following constructive outcomes for Tottenham’s rivals within the battle towards the drop.
Third-bottom Tottenham are two factors adrift of West Ham, who face Crystal Palace on Monday, and three behind Nottingham Forest. Leeds United have a six-point lead over Spurs following their shock win at Manchester United.
With Forest and Leeds having beneficial fixtures towards Burnley and Wolves respectively, one other defeat for Tottenham might depart them with a mountain to climb to keep away from a primary relegation from the highest flight since 1977.
Tottenham haven’t received within the Premier League in 2026, and a gap residence sport towards the final workforce he managed in England represents a troublesome problem for De Zerbi after struggling a 1-0 defeat at Sunderland in his maiden sport on the helm.
Brighton have claimed three successive wins and are simply two factors adrift of sixth-placed Chelsea within the race for European soccer.
And whereas Hurzeler had variety phrases for De Zerbi, who led Brighton to European qualification in 2022-23 after which to the final 16 of the Europa League the next season, there’ll no room for sentiment in his facet’s method as they appear to proceed their superb type.
“I believe he deserves the reward as a result of he had a big impact right here on the membership and achievements on the gamers,” Hurzeler stated of De Zerbi.
“On the opposite facet, when the whistle blows, it’s a sport between Brighton and Tottenham and our method is similar. We’re there to realize one thing and to win the sport and to indicate the best habits, so that’s our focus.”
Requested if he’s shocked by Tottenham’s predicament, Hurzeler replied: “I believe everyone seems to be somewhat bit shocked however then again it’s crucial to grasp how ruthless the Premier League may be, how tight the Premier League is.
“You want to be at your highest degree each weekend. We skilled, with a nasty run this season, for those who’re not doing the best behaviour every day then you don’t have any likelihood on the weekend.
“Our purpose is that we make our supporters loud, proud and due to this fact we have to have our type of play. We have to go there and play intense soccer, don’t give them any hope and be very mature in our method.”
Staff information for Tottenham v Brighton
Tottenham captain Cristiano Romero is anticipated to overlook the remainder of the season with an MCL harm.
He joins Mohammed Kudus (thigh), Dejan Kulusevski (knee), Wilson Odobert (ACL), Ben Davies (ankle) and Guglielmo Vicario (hernia) on the sideline.
James Maddison (knee) and Rodrigo Bentancur (hamstring) are again in coaching.
Lewis Dunk is suspended for Brighton, who’re additionally with out Adam Webster (knee) and Stefanos Tzimas (knee).
