Fabian Hürzeler
Brighton & Hove Albion are optimistic about winger Kaoru Mitoma’s return to form despite his recent dip in performance and a foot injury that casts doubt on his availability for the upcoming match against Wolves. Mitoma, who has been pivotal for Brighton, played a crucial role in the team’s recent victory over Chelsea, despite not being at his best. The Japanese international has been left out of Japan’s squad for upcoming friendlies, a decision made in consultation with the Japanese FA and Brighton, to aid his recovery.
Fabian Hurzeler said: “I think it will happen in one game and then hopefully everything changes a little bit like with Danny. There’s not a different approach from our side. Of course, the players change. He played together with Pervis (Estupinan), now he has a different team-mate. I think that’s different so you need to find the connection. That’s why I always try to emphasise and say to the group and everyone how important are connections on the pitch, how important it is to rely on each other.”
Hurzeler added: “Everyone has incredibly high expectations of him, because sometimes he’s doing things nobody expects, that everyone asks: How is it possible? But I also know that he has high expectations of himself. We all know and we all agree that he can play better, that he must have a bigger impact on our game, because he is a game-changer for us. Therefore, he needs to step out, he needs to take responsibility, work hard in every training session to get back to his shape. Then I am sure he can have an incredible impact on our game.”
Mitoma’s absence from the Japan squad suggests that his participation in Brighton’s upcoming fixtures, particularly the game at Molineux, is uncertain. This decision allows him time to recover and regain his form. Meanwhile, Brighton have options to cover his position, with Yankuba Minteh impressing on the left against Chelsea and Tommy Watson ready to step in. The team could also consider using Ferdi Kadioglu on the opposite flank, with Brajan Gruda and Georginio Rutter as other viable alternatives.
Mitoma is known for his self-critical nature, often analyzing his performances to improve. Brighton, who will face Newcastle at home in two weeks, are confident that Mitoma will regain his influential form, which has been crucial to their success. The team’s head coach, Fabian Hurzeler, emphasizes the importance of player connections on the pitch and believes that Mitoma’s hard work and dedication in training will soon translate into impactful performances.
As Brighton prepare for their upcoming matches, the focus remains on ensuring Mitoma’s full recovery and return to his game-changing best, which could be pivotal in their pursuit of success this season.
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