Sussex

Latest Updates

  1. Hurzeler on team fitness, Van Hecke's efforts and Man Utdpublished at 10:11 BST 24 October

    Katie Stafford
    BBC Sport journalist

    Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Manchester United at Old Trafford (kick-off 17:30 BST).

    Here are the key lines from his news conference:

    • Midfielder Diego Gomez is available to start the game, while "one or two" of the injured trio of Karou Mitoma, Brajan Gruda and Joel Veltman may return to the matchday squad.

    • On the importance of Mitoma in games such as Saturday's: "We will try everything to have him in the squad as he is a game-changer for us. If he is not available then we won't complain and we will find a solution. It might be a chance for Tom Watson or other wingers."

    • Hurzeler said he is "very pleased to hear" that midfielder Carlos Baleba "feels like he is getting back to old" after a difficult start to the season. He added: "I saw him in training this week and it was impressive."

    • On Baleba playing against United, who were widely linked with him in the summer: "It is the next step for his personality to overcome these rumours and noise. It is only noise that tries to distract him from trying to perform for Brighton and I am sure he is going to put in a good performance for us."

    • He said United "are a danger for us" because "they play a more direct style" and "every player in the front can decide the game with one action". He added: "We have to stay alive for 90 minutes, whether that is in or out of possession."

    • Jan Paul van Hecke "is going over the expectation" Hurzeler has of him and is giving "120%" in everything he does. Hurzeler added: "His effort is always above the things you can expect as a coach. He has a very straight and honest opinion, which I always like because it is powerful for the team."

    Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

    Listen to live commentary of Manchester United v Brighton on BBC Radio 5 Live from 17:30 on Saturday

  2. 'It was the best time I had in my football career' - LuaLuapublished at 08:45 BST 23 October

    Kazenga LuaLua's iconic celebration Image source, Getty Images

    Former Brighton winger Kazenga LuaLua has fond memories of his time at the club, describing it as the high point of his football career.

    And he believes the Seagulls' rise is no surprise, praising the club's infrastructure developments - from the move to Amex Stadium to the new training ground - as pivotal steps that have helped them flourish.

    "It was the best time I had in my football career," LuaLua told BBC Radio Sussex's Albion Unlimited podcast.

    "I always say this about Brighton when I talk to people about it. I have nothing bad to say about Brighton. I always say good things because they changed my life in a nice way. They gave me a platform to show what I can do, and I'm always grateful.

    "When I first signed, I got injured, and then I was sent back to Newcastle to do my treatment. I remember Gus Poyet telling me: 'I want you back here next season.' For him to say that and want me with me being injured as well, was unbelievable.

    "It was the best thing the club has ever done [moving to the Amex] and that was the start - then to get the new training ground, and from there Brighton just flew.

    "I am not surprised [by Brighton playing in Europe] as the club was moving in the right direction. It's nice to see. I hope they can keep improving."

    Listen to the full episode of Albion Unlimited on BBC Sounds