Fabian Hürzeler
Brighton & Hove Albion’s manager, Kostoulas, is focused on integrating their summer signings into the first team, with particular attention on former Olympiacos player, Stefanos Tzimas. As the team gears up for a challenging Premier League fixture against Tottenham Hotspur, Kostoulas is keen on ensuring that Tzimas and other new arrivals adapt to the high intensity of English football.
Fabian Hurzeler said: “It was an unbelievable goal we saw in his training session, so that’s what I always said, he has unbelievable potential. But now it’s about us to give him the time that he can do these things consistently. Seeing it one time is not good enough, we have to see it two, three, four, five times. It doesn’t mean that I expect from him always these kind of goals, so don’t understand it wrong. I expect from him that he’s working hard every training session, that he shows the best reaction every training session, that he adapts more and more to the intensity of the Premier League, and there we are still not where we want to have him. But we are getting closer, we saw a really good training week from him, so that’s what I meant before, that we could use this training week very effectively to work with these guys on their intensity, on their shape, on their physicality. We could also use this week as an advantage, and he’s now closer to the team, but not there where we want him to be.”
The recent training sessions have been instrumental in evaluating Tzimas’ readiness for the Premier League. While his potential is evident, as showcased by his impressive performances in training, the coaching staff is focused on ensuring consistency in his displays. The goal is not just to witness flashes of brilliance but to cultivate a player who can perform at a high level regularly.
As Brighton prepares to face Spurs, the competition for places in the squad is intense. The team’s attacking unit will be under scrutiny, especially given Tottenham’s strong defensive record this season. Despite the challenges, there is optimism within the Brighton camp, supported by statistical insights suggesting that Spurs are not invulnerable, with an Expected Goals against figure of 4.70 in the league.
Diego Gomez, another key player, was absent from the Bournemouth match due to the demands of international duty. His contributions to Paraguay’s World Cup qualification campaign have been significant, and his return will bolster Brighton’s midfield options. However, the focus remains on Tzimas and Kostoulas, who are both eager to make their mark in the upcoming fixtures.
While it may be too soon for Kostoulas to feature in the matchday squad against Spurs, the upcoming Carabao Cup tie at Oakwell presents a valuable opportunity for him and Tzimas to demonstrate their capabilities. As Brighton aims for silverware, these matches are not merely about gaining experience but also about making tangible contributions to the team’s success. For now, Kostoulas is committed to the process, with a focus on hard work and continuous improvement.
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