Fabian Hurzeler sends Brighton message before Roma friendly

Brighton & Hove Albion head coach Fabian Hurzeler has urged his players to "keep working hard" as the Seagulls step up preparations for the 2026/27 campaign.

Brighton return to the Amex Stadium this weekend to face Roma after completing a productive training camp in Austria, which ended with an entertaining 4-3 victory over Strasbourg.

With UEFA Conference League football and another Premier League campaign on the horizon, Hurzeler believes his squad are building strong foundations ahead of a demanding season.

Speaking after the win over Strasbourg, Hurzeler praised the attitude shown by his players throughout the training camp.

"My message to the boys is 'keep working hard'."

The Brighton boss was particularly impressed with the resilience his squad displayed under difficult conditions.

"I was really pleased with the week, how they worked. Today was really very intense, very warm. They suffered, but they suffered together, and I think it's very important that they showed this resilience as a team. And next week we continue."

The Austrian camp also gave several summer arrivals the opportunity to integrate with their new teammates.

Club-record signing Luka Vušković featured alongside fellow new recruits Pascal Struijk and Zadok Yohanna as Brighton continued to build towards the start of the season.

Hurzeler believes the squad has established a solid platform.

"I think we built a good foundation this week. We keep building on this foundation we created and focusing on small details to make things better than today. Then we have another great opportunity against Roma at the Amex next Saturday to make the next step."

Brighton continue to manage several injury concerns, particularly in attacking areas.

Kaoru Mitoma remains on course in his recovery from a hamstring injury after returning from Japan, while Stefanos Tzimas and Evan Ferguson are progressing through rehabilitation programmes.

Hurzeler provided an encouraging update on the trio.

"Stefanos Tzimas and Evan Ferguson are in rehab. Stef is the closest, but Ferguson is making daily progress and Mitoma has come back now from Japan where he started his rehab."

The Brighton manager also welcomed the gradual return of injured players to the squad.

"We seem to be in a good place. We know that it's still hard work. We have to stay humble, grounded, keep working hard, and then make the next step as a team."

Brighton will host Roma at the Amex Stadium as Hurzeler continues preparations for the new campaign. The Seagulls then turn their attention to the UEFA Conference League play-off before opening their Premier League season at home against Aston Villa.