Fabian Hürzeler reveals the message that inspired Brighton’s Old Trafford comeback

Fabian Hürzeler has explained how belief and composure helped Brighton recover from two goals down to knock Manchester United out of the Carabao Cup.

Brighton appeared to be heading for elimination after Shea Lacey and Mason Mount put United 2-0 ahead inside the opening ten minutes at Old Trafford. Instead, the Seagulls produced a remarkable response, with Charalampos Kostoulas, Pascal Groß and Maxim de Cuyper completing a 3-2 comeback.

Speaking to Sky Germany, Hürzeler revealed that the turnaround was rooted in a message he had repeatedly given his players before the game.

“We talked a lot about belief before the game,” Hürzeler said. “When you go to Old Trafford, you need belief—in yourself, your teammates, your own quality, our system, our principles, and our values.”

Brighton were required to put that message into practice almost immediately after their disastrous start.

Hürzeler explained that his players had two choices: abandon their structure and allow the game to become chaotic, or remain composed and trust the plan.

They chose the latter.

Kostoulas pulled one back shortly after half-time before Groß equalised and De Cuyper completed the comeback by the 70th minute.

Hürzeler believes Brighton’s improving relationships were also crucial, with greater trust developing between players both on and off the pitch.

Hürzeler reserved particular praise for 35-year-old Groß, who returned to Brighton in January after his spell with Borussia Dortmund.

“He just doesn’t stop,” Hürzeler said, describing the midfielder’s motivation and fitness as exceptional.

While Groß may not possess the explosiveness of younger teammates, Hürzeler believes he compensates through his work rate and understanding of the game.

“He simply always runs more than his opponent,” the Brighton boss added. “In English, they say, ‘Outwork, outrun.’”

Hürzeler even backed Groß to eventually become a successful coach, describing the veteran as someone capable of acting as an extension of the manager on the pitch.

After overturning a 2-0 deficit at Old Trafford, Brighton provided a strong example of exactly why Hürzeler values that experience.

Brighton must quickly switch their attention back to the Premier League, with Arsenal visiting the Amex next.

Hürzeler will hope the confidence generated by the Old Trafford comeback can help his side against the reigning champions, particularly with Brighton still dealing with a lengthy injury list.