Inside Brighton’s route to Europe: Hurzeler’s backing, bonding break and belief in veterans | OneFootball

Brighton reached Europe for only the second time despite a 3-0 home defeat to Manchester United, Brentford’s 1-1 draw with Liverpool proved decisive. They finished eighth, enough for the UEFA Conference League.

According to NY Times, they made it despite a late-season wobble and with fewer points than last year.

A winter slump began with a 4-3 home loss to Aston Villa, one win in 13 left them 14th by mid-February. Fans voiced displeasure, but the hierarchy kept faith, with no talk of sacking.

A bonding stay at St George’s Park followed, then a 2-0 win at Brentford signalled recovery. Hurzeler also fronted critics at a Hove fan event, easing tensions.

He signed a new contract until 2029 in early May, announced before a 3-0 win over Wolves.

After Joao Pedro’s £60 million sale to Chelsea and injuries to younger forwards, 35-year-old Danny Welbeck led the line, scoring 13 league goals. Veterans Pascal Gross, James Milner and Lewis Dunk were central.

Gross rejoined mid-winter and started 18 straight league games, while Milner set a Premier League record with his 654th appearance at Brentford. Hurzeler’s switch of Jack Hinshelwood to No 10 brought three goals and two assists in the final 11 games.

Mitoma missed 13 league matches and the run-in with a hamstring issue. The Conference League could offer a clearer route to silverware, with West Ham winning it in 2023 and Palace in this season’s final.

Source: NY Times