Brighton & Hove Albion head coach Fabian Hurzeler consulted with his players to change the way his side defend.
The German came under scrutiny earlier in the season for defending with a high line. His team no longer pushes as far up the pitch from the back.
“Of course, there are some changes with the high line,” Hurzeler told The Athletic after Saturday’w win at Southampton. “We needed to adapt. I am not a person who says ‘Because that is my philosophy or my idea we have to force it.’
“It’s about understanding the circumstances, understanding the demands of the Premier League, and that’s what I try to do.
“In some moments your ego cannot be bigger than the conviction of the players and therefore you need to make small adjustments without losing your identity, your principles.”
Hurzeler’s side have kept five clean sheets in 11 matches since Christmas, as they chase Europe qualification via a high finish in the Premier League or by winning the FA Cup.
“It’s important to adapt if necessary, to listen to the players if necessary,” Hurzeler said. “And the most important thing to understand is that defence wins championships. You need to defend well in the Premier League, otherwise you have no chance. Its starts with the mindset of the players, with an offensive player thinking I have to defend.”
Skipper Lewis Dunk, deputy captain Danny Welbeck, and Dutch right-back Joel Veltman remain doubtful for tomorrow night’s home game against Bournemouth. The experienced trio all missed the Southampton victory through injury.
Brighton are ninth in the table, three points behind Bournemouth in fifth place. Their next away game is at Newcastle on Sunday in the fifth round of the FA Cup.
GO DEEPER
Hurzeler: Difference-maker Rutter starting to show his quality
(Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
