Fabian Hurzeler demands ruthless Brighton mentality ahead of Kauno Zalgiris clash

Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler has challenged his players to abandon their reputation as a "nice" football club and develop a more ruthless mentality ahead of Thursday's UEFA Conference League meeting with Kauno Zalgiris.

The Seagulls begin their European campaign at the Amex Stadium after an impressive domestic start that has left them third in the Premier League and through to the Carabao Cup last 16.

With six matches scheduled across 17 days, Hurzeler has confirmed that changes to his starting line-up are likely, but insists Brighton must maintain their competitive standards regardless of who plays.

Hurzeler believes Brighton's continued progress depends on developing a stronger competitive identity, particularly when playing in front of their own supporters.

The German coach wants visiting teams to experience a more intimidating atmosphere at the Amex, arguing that the club's positive reputation alone will not deliver success.

"We want to keep building our fortress at home," Hurzeler said during his pre-match comments.

"We want to keep building this image where we're just difficult to beat at home, where it's a tough, also a little bit (of a) 'dirty' place to go because of the environment we create, together with our fans."

Although Brighton have earned recognition for their recruitment strategy and organisational structure, Hurzeler believes those strengths must be accompanied by a harder competitive edge.

"With nice, you win nothing. You also need to have the mindset of 'alright, we are difficult to beat'. We want to be ruthless."

His message reflects an ambition to turn Brighton's promising early-season form into sustained results across domestic and European competitions.

Brighton's return to European football comes during a particularly congested period, with Sunday's Premier League meeting against Crystal Palace following shortly after the Conference League opener.

Hurzeler confirmed that squad management will influence his selection against Kauno Zalgiris, although he emphasised that opportunities will be earned through performances in training.

"Regarding the starting XI, of course we try to manage players. We try to manage energy, so there will definitely be some changes," he explained.

The Brighton manager also praised the contributions of players who have impressed in training and during substitute appearances.

Rotation will allow Hurzeler to distribute playing time while protecting his squad from excessive workloads, particularly with another important league fixture approaching.

For players outside Brighton's regular starting XI, the European encounter offers an opportunity to strengthen their claims for greater involvement.

Brighton enter the contest in strong domestic form, but Hurzeler has warned against underestimating their Lithuanian opponents.

Kauno Zalgiris arrive in Sussex with confidence after winning the Lithuanian Cup on Sunday, and Brighton's head coach expects a disciplined side capable of creating problems on the counterattack.

"We expect a team that has a lot of confidence, that defends well in a low block, are good in transition, that also have players who want to play football," Hurzeler said.

He stressed that European fixtures require different preparation because opponents bring unfamiliar tactical approaches and playing styles.

Brighton must therefore balance attacking ambition with defensive awareness, particularly when possession is lost against a team comfortable defending deep.

For Hurzeler, the Conference League represents more than an opportunity to maintain momentum. It is another stage in Brighton's development as a team capable of competing consistently across multiple competitions.

Brighton host Kauno Zalgiris at the Amex Stadium on Thursday in their opening UEFA Conference League fixture.

Hurzeler is expected to make changes to his starting XI, providing opportunities for players who have impressed in training while managing the demands of the fixture schedule.

The Seagulls then return to Premier League action against Crystal Palace on Sunday, where Hurzeler will look to maintain their strong domestic form.