Yaya Toure, the former Manchester City and Ivory Coast star, recently visited Brighton’s training setup, engaging in strategic discussions with manager Fabian Hurzeler and his team. This visit comes at a crucial time for Brighton, who are riding high after a dramatic 3-2 victory over West Ham, ending a five-game winless streak in the Premier League.
Fabian Hurzeler said: “In general we are a very open club and we always want to learn from other departments and other personalities. He’s an unbelievable personality. I think that’s something where I also can learn from. And on the other side he was a great player so he can give me and the players some small advice on what it needs to be at the highest level. We had a really interesting exchange. Although I didn’t have that much time, I took away a lot of things and for sure we’ll stay in touch and let’s see how this relationship continues.”
Hurzeler continued: “I think the last game was very important because we showed character, we showed personality and we showed the belief in ourselves. The group is full of positivity, the group is full of energy, and that’s very important to have these attributes now in your team, especially for the last part of the season. The main focus is we try to prepare for the next game. We know it’s another big, big challenge for us but we are looking forward to it and I’m sure after this training week we are ready for it.”
Brighton’s recent victory against West Ham was a testament to their resilience, as they managed to turn the game around with late goals from Kaoru Mitoma and Carlos Baleba. This win has revitalised their European ambitions, and Hurzeler’s comments reflect a team brimming with confidence and energy. The manager emphasized the importance of maintaining this momentum as they prepare for their next challenge.
On the injury front, Hurzeler confirmed positive news, with defender Jan Paul van Hecke set to return after missing the West Ham match due to a head injury. Additionally, Adam Webster and Igor Julio might also be available for selection, providing a boost to the squad’s defensive options.
Toure’s visit and the subsequent exchange of ideas are expected to further enhance the team’s performance, as they look to build on their recent success. Brighton’s openness to learning from football legends like Toure could prove invaluable as they navigate the remainder of the season.
