Brighton & Hove Albion

Image source, Getty Images

German football expert Jon Harding spoke to the Albion Unlimited podcast about Daniel Niedzkowski, who will become Fabian Hurzeler's assistant coach in January:

"Daniel is definitely one of the most forward-thinking minds in the German coaching space. He has a wealth of experience and maturity to call on and I think that has played a big role [in him joining Brighton]. He was an assistant coach at Bayer Leverkusen so he has experience in the role he is now taking.

"The thing that impresses me the most about Daniel is that he understands that coaching is about people. When I spoke to him, he said: 'To be a coach is no different to who I am or how I am as a human.'

"He understands the pressures of the environment, he understands how to manage and I'm not surprised that someone thought he was the right person to bring in. As a coach and a person, he really gets the idea of balance.

"One thing that I think Brighton has done well in the last few years is allow senior players to become coaches at the club. I'm really curious to see if Daniel is going to be involved in that process."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Image source, Getty Images

Excluding own goals, Brighton are the only team to hit double figures for different scorers in the Premier League this season, with the Seagulls' 11 so far just two fewer than they had in the whole of 2023-24.

The latest episode of BBC Radio Sussex's Albion Unlimited has dropped on BBC Sounds.

Former Brighton defender Guy Butters joins the podcast to discuss the international week and Tariq Lamptey's future.

Hear from Fabian Hurzeler and German football expert Jon Harding on the Seagulls' incoming new assistant coach Daniel Niedzkowski.

And BBC BBC Solent's Jordan Clark is on hand to give the lowdown on Saturday's opponents Bournemouth.

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Scott McCarthy
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

I have always found it strange how little clubs are willing or need to spend to secure a good manager.

Whilst a transfer fee in excess of £50m for a player barely raises an eyebrow these days, there tends to be shock and awe when a head coach costs even a fraction of that. This despite their importance.

Take Fabian Hurzeler for example. St Pauli released their 2023-24 accounts last week, revealing Brighton paid around £5.4m for Hurzeler.

With the Albion sitting only four points off second spot, this already seems like money well spent. And in context of player transfers, Brighton have a head coach with world-class potential for a third of what they paid for Jurgen Locadia back in 2018.

Yet the fee still feels like a lot for a manager. Likewise when Chelsea paid £21m to the Albion for Graham Potter. A genuine jaw-dropping amount.

The way it panned out was obviously hilarious with the Blues being mocked by fans of every other club for such a waste of money.

But if Potter had been a success and delivered trophies at Stamford Bridge, it would have been seen as a good investment by Chelsea.

Potter remains the second-most expensive manager of all time after Julian Nagelsman. £5.4m makes Hurzeler the 11th most expensive, behind Jose Mourinho and the £6.9m Real Madrid paid to take 'The Special One' from Inter Milan in 2010.

Interestingly, four of the top 10 are managers appointed since the summer. Vincent Kompany, Enzo Maresca, Arne Slot and Ruben Amorim. Clubs now appear to be realising that paying big money for coaches is as important as players.

As one of the most innovative outfits in world football, Brighton are ahead of the curve. Again. And it – or should that be Hurzeler – could help take the Albion back into Europe.

Find more from Scott McCarthy at We Are Brighton, external

BBC Sport pundit Nedum Onuoha gives us his insight and opinion every fortnight on your Premier League club.

But this week, he's in the hotseat for your questions.

So what do you want to ask for a former player. Best opponent? Most memorable team-mate he played with?

Or maybe you're just interested in what next for your club this season?

Send in your questions, external

Image source, Getty Images

There has been some pressure on players carrying an injury going into international breaks with their national side because you are contracted to these clubs and that is where your income is.

But, for me, as a player I had a similar mindset to Harry Kane that I would always be available - injured or not injured. I would have injections when I was on international duty just so I could represent my country because it meant that much.

It is difficult, however. If you look at Jack Grealish and Pep Guardiola's comments, he has a point because the forward has not been able to play for Manchester City because of injuries. So if you have been sidelined for three or four games, I would agree that you are then not fit and available to go on international duty.

But when you look at some of the other players, ones who have been playing and being managed by their club, then I do not see it being different to being played and managed by your country.

From the club's side, when they are competing at such high levels in the Premier League, you can understand why they would want their players to be rested and get fully fit again over the two weeks, rather than having to come back straight into a hectic period of fixtures.

I kind of get it from both points of view but, as a player, if I am half fit and being played by my club, I would be fully available for my national team.

It is really difficult with the pressure that is on the players, though. I would not look at it as a decision players have made solely.

Fara Williams was speaking to BBC Sport's Nicola Pearson

Brighton's Tariq Lamptey is being monitored by Everton and West Ham, who both want to sign the right-back on a free transfer in the summer. (Football Insider), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Saturday's full gossip column

Image source, Getty Images

Evan Ferguson (20 years and 26 days old) has now scored four goals for Republic of Ireland, with only Robbie Keane (seven goals) and David Connolly (six goals) scoring more for the Boys in Green before the age of 21.

With only four points separating third and 13th, we do not normally see that many teams in this type of mini league.

Normally, you might have the teams in a pack around the top four or five and then another pack underneath that with your relegation pack as well, so the fact there is so many teams in it at this stage is making it different.

From the mental side of competing in that, you look at Manchester United who have struggled so much this season and are sitting 13th. If they get a win, it can shoot them right up the table. They are in a position to think they are only a few points off the Champions League places' and that is good.

But it can work both ways.

Knowing the points are so close can keep you strong, keep you competing and have that competitiveness because you know a result can jump you up. But on the flipside, you could easily go from seventh down to 13th in one weekend or from third down to 10th.

How you deal with it depends on the manager, the players and also the psychologists within the group. Psychology in sport is really important for whether you see the situation as a positive or a negative.

Whether it stays like this all season is hard to say as there have been some really inconsistent performances and results. The most consistent team is the one sitting at the top.

I do not know what the rest of the campaign has in store for these sides because all the teams seem to be able to take points off each other this season.

Fara Williams was speaking to BBC Sport's Nicola Pearson

Image source, Getty Images

Former Brighton forward Bobby Zamora has been delighted to "help the club again" after being appointed as a striker consultant.

The 43-year-old is in his third spell with Albion as a club ambassador, having had two periods on the south coast as a player.

Speaking on BBC Radio Sussex's Albion Unlimited podcast, Zamora explained his new role: "I have been in working with the strikers - not necessarily with everything on the pitch but looking at previous games, providing a bit of analysis, sitting down with the players, talking about how they can improve their game and what we can work on.

"There's a lot of talent here. There are five guys that are genuinely all really good players and are all pushing each other. The biggest challenge for me is going to be dealing with those guys mentally.

"It is hard when you're a striker and the guys ahead of you, or in the team currently, are scoring goals and performing well.

"It is about managing that and trying to keep their confidence up, not their frustration."

Zamora scored 51 goals in 108 appearances for Brighton and says it was a natural decision for him to return as a coach.

"My history at the club is well known," he said. "Coming here, scoring goals and being a big part of its history is phenomenal.

"It is a big pleasure for me to be a part of it. I absolutely love the club. It's an opportunity for me to come in and help the club again, in a different way this time."

Listen to the full interview on BBC Sounds

Image source, Getty Images

Former Brighton striker Warran Aspinall says Carlos Baleba has shown "glimpses of his potential" so far this season, adding that the defensive midfielder is "on a par" with former Seagulls player Moises Caicedo.

Speaking on BBC Radio Sussex's Albion Unlimited podcast, Aspinall said: "He is getting better and better. When he gets the ball on the half-turn, he uses his body and strength to get that quick five yards and get his head up. Then he can break the lines and take two or three midfield players out of the game straight away.

"Sometimes he takes too many touches with his head down and he gets all flustered. If he can get his head up and look around - because he's gained that space with his power in the first five yards - he can then play a simple pass.

"To become a top player now, he needs to be consistent. It's not about having three good games, three bad games.

"He needs to have games like he did against Manchester City, against a top-class midfield. We have seen glimpses of his potential.

"He gets frustrated with himself at times in games, but he doesn't need to do that. The world is his oyster.

"Moises Caicedo went for over £100m and Baleba is on a par with him. He is probably the next player that will be on the conveyor belt to go for bigger money. We need to keep these players if we can - they have all got a price tag on their heads.

"Carlos Baleba just needs to keep his feet on the ground [for now] and keep listening to Daddy [Danny] Welbeck."

Listen to the full podcast on BBC Sounds

On the latest episode of BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club, The New York Times' chief soccer correspondent Rory Smith speaks about whether a "still really young" Brighton side can upset the traditional top six in the Premier League.

After seeing off Manchester City last Saturday, does Smith believe Albion will make it into the top four or maybe even contend for the title.

"If Leicester can do it, then why can't Brighton? But the stars have to align there," said Smith.

Watch the full episode on BBC iPlayer or listen on BBC Sounds

The latest Albion Unlimited podcast has landed.

BBC Radio Sussex's Johnny Cantor is joined by former Brighton striker Warren Aspinall to discuss the 2-1 win over Manchester City and the tight battle for European football this season.

Also, hear from Danny Welbeck on stepping in as captain, the return of team-mates Matt O'Riley and Joao Pedro and midfielder Carlos Baleba's potential.

Plus, former Brighton striker Bobby Zamora joins the podcast to talk about his new striker consultancy role at the club.

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Technical director David Weir and his assistant Mike Cave have led an overhaul of Brighton's recruitment department, involving the exit of several scouts, despite the club's successful record over recent seasons. (Telegraph - subscription required), external

Want more news? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

Henry Brownsey
BBC Sport journalist

There were plenty of memorable numbers across the weekend's Premier League football...

1 - How many games it took Brighton's Matt O'Riley to open his account in the top flight.

Image source, Getty Images

250 - How many appearances Bruno Fernandes has now made for Manchester United, registering a combined 155 goals and assists in this time.

Image source, Getty Images

4 - Consecutive defeats for Pep Guardiola's Manchester City side, and the first time he has had such a losing run in his managerial career.

Image source, Getty Images

28 - Points Liverpool boss Arne Slot has earned in the Premier League in his first 11 games in charge - the joint-most of any new manager.

Image source, Getty Images

80 - Seconds between Bournemouth going 2-1 up and Mikkel Damsgaard equalising for Brentford.

Image source, Getty Images

1:48 - How long into the game Pablo Sarabia put Wolves ahead against Southampton - becoming the club's earliest Premier League goalscorer.

Image source, Getty Images

22 years, six months, two weeks and three days - The amount of time Ipswich Town had gone without a Premier League victory before Sunday's win at Tottenham.

Image source, Getty Images

Scott McCarthy
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester City are one of the richest football clubs in the world and should be able to afford a deep squad with game-changing options on the bench.

Yet, at the Amex on Saturday, it was Brighton who had their substitutes to thank for securing them three points against the serial Premier League champions.

Joao Pedro and Matt O'Riley both scored from the bench. Carlos Baleba played an equally important role after coming on at half-time, helping the Albion get on top by winning the midfield battle.

Brighton will have a fight on their hands keeping hold of Baleba beyond next summer if he carries on performing as he has so far this season.

The wealth of options available to Fabian Hurzeler comes from the near-£200m spending spree Tony Bloom went on in the summer. The Albion now have a squad capable of coping with injuries to four, five or six first-choice players.

But solid recruitment is only one part of the story. Hurzeler deserves an equal amount of credit for the way he is managing his players - and, in particular, his use of the bench.

The City win was not the first time Hurzeler's substitutions have helped deliver three points, either. Home victories over Manchester United and Tottenham also came thanks to major contributions from the bench.

Not many managers outwit Pep Guardiola and surely nobody else has done it aged 31. The Seagulls are soaring and the sky looks the limit for Hurzeler.

Find more from Scott McCarthy at We Are Brighton, external

Image source, Getty Images

The New York Times' chief soccer correspondent Rory Smith, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club about Brighton's fine start to the season under Fabian Hurzeler:

"The appointment itself was incredibly brave. If you look back, to say that Brighton, a top-10 Premier League club, were going to appoint a 31-year-old manager... it's not that long ago that English football wouldn't really have been ready for that idea, and he would have been chased out in about three weeks.

"He needed a good start. It would have been difficult for him if Brighton had got off to a rocky start and there would have been questions around the club about whether he was too inexperienced.

"He wasn't like [Roberto] De Zerbi, who had managed in the Champions League when he came to Brighton. He had Serie A experience. Hurzeler hadn't and was unusually young.

"But the way he's taken to it has been remarkable, and he has had a lot of support from Brighton. I think they and Manchester United spent more than any other team in Europe, which is a big commitment for Brighton. Most of it was spent on young talent from unusual places.

"Brighton have a courage in the way that they work, but also they have a certainty. I think we underestimate how remarkable it is that Brighton are up there again because we've got so used to seeing Brighton in the top 10. It should still be impressive to see Brighton in the top 10 of the Premier League."

Watch the full episode on BBC iPlayer or listen on BBC Sounds

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Brighton and Manchester City.

Here are some of your comments:

Brighton fans

Chris: That was a fantastic win and every credit to the manager for the changes he made in the second half. The calibre of the substitutes also demonstrated the excellent strength in depth we have now with the likes of Lewis Dunk, Solly March and Yankuba Minteh still to come back. A very exciting few months ahead.

Mark: Memorable evening at Amex Stadium. City may have dominated the first half but Carlos Baleba dominated City in the second half. He’s putting in man-of-the-match performances week after week in the way that Moises Caicedo used to. The Seagulls legendary player recruitment process strikes again - our next £100m player?

Chrissy: Unbelievable scenes. Showed no fear against City and stuck to our system. Thoroughly deserved the three points. We played with courage and belief. Absolutely buzzing - loved it.

Man City fans

Ian: City started the season playing better than they usually do but too many players are off form. Ilkay Gundogan is a shadow of his former self, as is Phil Foden and to a degree Bernardo Silva. Erling Haaland works off a minimal supply that has now virtually disappeared. Savinho is still adjusting while Matheus Nunes is not City standard. All this on top of critical injuries. It will improve.

Danny: Dominating possession but not scoring enough goals has been an issue with City. What’s the point of possession if you dont make it count? They need to be more direct and quicker moving forward. The ball needs to be played to Haaland’s feet more and he needs to be demanding of the ball.

Phillip: Again very disappointing. We didn’t deserve to win unfortunately. Yes we are missing key players , but players like Foden who are now senior players in my opinion are not doing enough . He runs round like a headless chicken . But the fact is we are missing Rodri as he dictates pace and direction of play . We look lost without him .

Image source, Getty Images

Former Brighton striker Glenn Murray, speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast about the Seagulls' 2-1 win over Manchester City:

"Brighton were a bit timid in the first half - they were maybe a little bit overawed - but it was almost beneficial going behind because all of the sudden they had nothing to lose.

"Joao Pedro made a huge impact but the player who made the difference was Carlos Baleba. What a talent that lad is.

"When you think that Moises Caicedo walked out of the door for £104m, I can't see him walking out for any less than that."

Ex-Premier League midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker: "It's a well-structured [scouting] network. A friend of mine is involved in the network has told me how they operate and it's credit to them.

"They're such a well-run club and they deserve all the credit they're getting."

Listen to more analysis on BBC Sounds

Image source, Getty Images

Brighton striker Danny Welbeck spoke to BBC Radio Sussex about some of his team-mates after Saturday's victory over Manchester City:

On Matt O'Riley: "He's been so good at the training ground. You can see his attitude and mentality. He's been there for everybody, so for him to come on and get the winning goal is an amazing feeling. We all gave him a massive applause when he came into the dressing room and it's a night he will never forget.

On Joao Pedro: "It's amazing to have him back. The quality when he came on was evident for everybody. He's a fighter and a warrior, and he goes right until the end.

On Carlos Baleba: "He can be unstoppable. If he keeps up with that desire and passion, he can go right to the top. He's got all of the attributes to be a world-beater."

Listen to the full interview with Welbeck, and more from Fabian Hurzeler and O'Riley here

Image source, Getty Images

Former Premier League striker Alan Shearer spoke to BBC Match of the Day about Carlos Baleba's impact in Brighton's victory over Manchester City:

"First half, Brighton were too nice and showed too much respect [to City]. They stood off and let them play and that caused them all sorts of problems.

"Second half, it all changed. He [Baleba] came on and got among them. He showed energy, aggression and he got rattled them.

"Brighton were a completely different team in the second half and it started because of him, he played on the front foot. They should have scored four or five.

"He was absolutely wonderful. He changed the tempo and performance on the front foot and defensively. They got the three points which they deserved."

Listen to the full analysis on BBC iPlayer

Tottenham are keen on a move for Argentine midfielder Facundo Buonanotte, 19, but will have to compete with Leicester City, where he is on loan from Brighton. (Fichajes - in Spanish, external)

Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column