Brighton mentality must improve, says Andrea Orlandi

Brighton midfielder Andrea Orlandi says the squad must change their mindset to get back into contention for the Championship play-off places.

The Seagulls are six points off sixth-placed Watford after just three wins in their last 17 league games.

He told BBC Sussex: "The morale is a bit down and we are really concerned.

"We have to push in the second half of the season. We have to start winning games and change our mentality, which hasn't been great recently."

Saturday's 3-1 defeat by Watford at the Amex meant Albion played five games in December without winning.

"I think we've got a team to challenge for the play-off places at least," Orlandi added.

"We have to turn around the situation.

"There are so many games in this league and we are still there. We are not far from the play-offs and we have to keep going.

"When you win two in a row in the Championship, you get back in there."

Orlandi was impressed by Watford, who have now won six league games away from home this season.

"We played against a really good team - the best footballing side in the league.

"They showed that when we played them at Watford and we saw the same again.

"They have three midfielders who are really comfortable on the ball and they have got amazing speed up front with [Matej] Vydra and [Troy] Deeney.

"We knew we had to start well. Unfortunately we didn't get the goal and they got better during the game."

Orlandi, who joined Albion from Swansea in August, returned to the starting 11 on Saturday after five weeks out with a rib injury.

The Spaniard sustained the injury in the defeat by Crystal Palace at the start of the month and had not been expected to be fit until the new year.

"I'm back earlier than expected and I am fortunate to have played," Orlandi said.

"I struggled a bit with breathing during the game as it's different to training.

"The doctor and the physio have been working with me every day and I was determined to get back early.

"Hopefully I will get my fitness back soon and I will try and help the team."