“He played a good game” – Hurzeler gives verdict on Diego Coppola debut

Fabian Hürzeler praised Brighton’s stand-in defenders after a goalless Premier League draw with Sunderland, while confirming that first-choice centre-backs Lewis Dunk and Jan Paul van Hecke will return for this weekend’s trip to Arsenal.

With Dunk serving a one-match suspension and Van Hecke sidelined by illness, Hürzeler was forced into changes at the heart of defence. That opened the door for Diego Coppola to make his first Premier League start, alongside Olivier Boscagli, as Albion kept a clean sheet against the Black Cats.

Coppola completed his first full Premier League match for Brighton, having previously expressed a desire for more game time. Speaking after the match, Hürzeler was satisfied with what he saw, while also placing the performance in context.

“I think he played a good game, but we all understand the situation,” the Brighton boss said.
“We have really good centre-backs — four really good centre-backs — not only Coppola, but also Oli, Jan Paul van Hecke and Lewis Dunk.”

Hürzeler acknowledged the difficulty of managing expectations in such a competitive area of the squad.

“Lewis and JP are quite experienced players in the Premier League, so unfortunately only two can play,” he added. “That’s the worst thing. They understand the situation, but of course if a player doesn’t play that many times, he’s not happy. That’s the thing we have to deal with.”

Boscagli had previously stepped in when Dunk was unavailable earlier in the season, but the Sunderland match marked a rare opportunity for both defenders to start together in the league.

Hürzeler has already shown trust in the pair, having deployed a back three featuring Coppola and Boscagli during Brighton’s Carabao Cup visit to Arsenal earlier in the campaign. Their composure and organisation were again evident as Albion limited Sunderland’s attacking threat.

“They played well, they kept the clean sheet,” Hürzeler said. “It’s not easy if you have to change the back four.”

Despite praising Coppola’s display, Hürzeler made it clear that Brighton’s usual defensive pairing will be restored for the next league fixture.

Lewis Dunk is available again after suspension, while Van Hecke’s illness is not expected to sideline him further. That means competition for places will intensify once more as Brighton prepare for a tough test in north London.

Brighton travel to face Arsenal on Saturday, December 27, with Hürzeler expected to recall his first-choice centre-backs. While Coppola may drop back to the bench, his assured debut has strengthened Brighton’s defensive options heading into a demanding festive schedule.