Brighton boss challenges Man City and Liverpool and dismisses 'small club' label

Brighton's head coach Fabian Hurzeler has acknowledged the need for his team to possibly adopt a "win ugly" approach in their ambition to shake off their "small club" image.

With Brighton sitting eighth in the Premier League and preparing for the challenge posed by titleholders Manchester City on Saturday, Hurzeler has reflected on the season so far and Brighton's ability to aim for an even loftier league position.

Despite a disappointing defeat against Liverpool last weekend that saw them leading until the 70th minute at Anfield, Hurzeler remains optimistic ahead of facing a City side who have lost three successive matches, praising his team's style and development so far.

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Speaking ahead of City's visit to the Amex Stadium, Hurzeler discussed the balance his team must strike between attractive play and effective results.

"On the one side I think we can be happy about the performances, how we play, the style of play, how we have developed," Hurzeler told PA Sport.

"On the other side, when we look at the results, we could have more points. There we have to find a good balance between playing a good style of play and getting the results for the style of play

"So, on the one side happy, on the other side there are still things we can improve, especially the game management, how to win the games, maybe in an ugly way, how to win the games in an efficient way.

"There we are still in a process. That's what I have said from the beginning, there are positive and negative things.

"We try to build an environment here, an atmosphere where the players can improve, not only individually, also as a group. These things we talk a lot about nowadays about tactical things, but in the end it's also about managing a game the right way."

Having made history by qualifying for Europe in 2023 and reaching the Europa League's last 16 before being defeated by Roma, Hurzeler believes Brighton shouldn't be shy in embracing their ambition to establish themselves as European regulars.

"I don't want to be recognised or want to be seen as the small Brighton and Hove Albion," he said. "It's more that we have a big potential in our squad. We have a great leadership in the club.

"We have great, great staff members. We have a good atmosphere, a good environment. In football it's about achieving things and that's why we shouldn't hide. We shouldn't be afraid of anyone.

"We should play with self-confidence and we should also put pressure on ourselves because in the end we want to achieve something and if we don't achieve the victories in the games we have failed and that's the truth.

"That's why we have to also be hard on ourselves and demand the best from ourselves. These games, like City and Liverpool, are the best challenges for us."