At a glance
- Kaoru Mitoma suffers suspected hamstring injury
- Brighton beat Wolves 3-0 at the Amex
- Maxim De Cuyper praised for two assists
Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler praised his side’s mentality after their 3-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers, while admitting there is concern surrounding an injury to Kaoru Mitoma.
Brighton raced into a two-goal lead inside the opening five minutes at the Amex Stadium and never looked in danger as goals from Jack Hinshelwood, Lewis Dunk and Yankuba Minteh kept the Seagulls firmly in the hunt for European football.
Hurzeler felt the platform for victory had been built long before kick-off, pointing to the attitude and sharpness his players had shown throughout the week in training.
READ MORE: Brighton Continue European Charge With Comfortable Win Over Wolves – Read Brighton | Read Brighton
Hurzeler Praises Mentality and Intensity
“I can do all the tactical work all week, but after 35 seconds your plan can be gone,” he said.
“It’s about attitude, mindset and approach. We had a really good intensity and energy in training this week and we had the mind in the right spot. That helped us control and dominate the game.”
The Brighton boss admitted his side became “a little bit sloppy” after the break but was pleased with the collective effort to secure a clean sheet after last weekend’s defeat at Newcastle United.
“In possession we can definitely play better football, but overall I was pleased with how they worked together as a team,” he added.
De Cuyper Rewarded For Patience
One of the biggest talking points from the afternoon was the inclusion of Maxim De Cuyper, who marked his start with two assists in five minutes. Hurzeler reserved special praise for the Belgian defender, highlighting his professionalism and patience during a difficult season.
Hurzeler said: “He never gives up.
“He didn’t have an easy season, but what he shows in training regarding effort and putting his ego behind the team is impressive. Today he got the reward for all the hard work.”
The Brighton manager also praised Jack Hinshelwood after the academy graduate scored for the third game in succession. Hurzeler revealed the midfielder’s movement and willingness to attack the box had become a key part of Brighton’s recent tactical adjustments.
“We had the feeling we needed more runs in behind and better occupation of the box,” he explained.
“Jack is the perfect profile for that. He keeps making those runs and even if he doesn’t score, he creates space for his teammates.”
Concern Over Mitoma Injury
Hurzeler also confirmed there is concern surrounding Kaoru Mitoma after the winger pulled up during the second half with a suspected hamstring issue.
He said: “It definitely is the hamstring, but we have to wait for the scan.
“Of course it didn’t look great, but I’m a positive person and I stay positive regarding this.”
The Brighton boss ended by dedicating the victory to a member of the club’s kit staff and his family, after Lewis Dunk and Yankuba Minteh celebrated their goals in tribute.
“Our kitman’s son had a really tough surgery,” Hurzeler revealed.
“This one is for you. Get back stronger.”
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