Hurzeler admits ‘every Premier League win’ means a lot to him after Brighton thrashed Ipswich at Portman Road

Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler was happy to get three points against Ipswich despite his players not being at their best.

The Seagulls won 2-0 at Portman Road, thanks to second-half goals from Kaoru Mitoma and Georginio Rutter.

It extends the south coast side’s unbeaten run to six games, although there have been too many draws for the head coach.

But this was a victory he was sure to save.

Speaking after the game, he said: “It wasn’t our best game but in the end we controlled the game and were steady in possession.

“We created more chances in the second half, so we deserved to win. I’m happy about that.

“We suffered in this period and this victory should give us faith and confidence. Now we have to prepare for the next challenge.

FT: RETURN TO WINNING TRACKS IN #PL! 🙌

(0-2) 📲 #IPSBHA // #BHAFC 🟡🔵 pic.twitter.com/mFgrI0QAhk

— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) January 16, 2025

“We tried to force too much in the first half. We didn’t position ourselves well.

“We changed a few things. In the second half, although they played harder and pressed better, we were more dominant and created more chances. That’s why I think we deserved it.

“Every win in the Premier League means a lot to me because it is very difficult to win in this league. We’ve seen that in recent weeks.

“We had great games, sometimes better than today, but in the end the result is the most important. We are happy, but there is only a short time to be happy. We have to focus on the following.”

Hurzeler was particularly impressed with Rutter, who has broken into the side this season.

He added: “I’m impressed with his attitude and how positive he always is. He always has a smile on his face. He really enjoys being on the field and playing with the boys.

“He has a lot of important experience in the championship. He is a good finisher and I am very happy that he is here. But he has a lot of things to improve and he knows it.

“We try to give him an environment where he can thrive every day.”

Meanwhile, Kieran McKenna accused his Ipswich players of losing faith towards the end of the game.

Defeat at Portman Road.#IPSBHA | @Nustone_UK pic.twitter.com/9Q1TbPYzOA

— IPSWICH TOWN (@IpswichTown) January 16, 2025

The Tractor Boys were strong for the first hour, but then collapsed after conceding the first goal.

McKenna said: “It was a really close game until the first goal. In the first 60 minutes, we threatened more, we had better chances and got into better areas, but it was a bad first goal and then the game went away.

“We lost faith in ourselves on the pitch, they brought on better substitutes and pushed on and were the better side in the last 30 minutes.

“We didn’t defend well enough to stop the goal and we have to find a better answer, but we couldn’t do that today.”