International breaks remain a challenge for Brighton boss Fabian Hürzeler.
Brighton boss Fabian Hürzeler believed his players needed an extra day off to recover before their FA Cup quarter-final against Nottingham Forest.
The Seagulls were knocked out on penalties after a goalless draw at the Amex Stadium, sparking debate over the tight schedule following international duty. Several key players, including Kaoru Mitoma (Japan), Carlos Baleba (Cameroon), Yankuba Minteh (Gambia), João Pedro (Brazil), Pervis Estupiñán (Ecuador), and Diego Gómez (Paraguay), had just returned from World Cup qualifiers. Mitoma looked fatigued, while Pedro and Gómez were only fit for the bench.
Gary Lineker, speaking on Match of the Day, criticized the scheduling, calling the game “boring” and arguing that fans were short-changed. He emphasized that the issue wasn’t just about player welfare but also about ensuring quality for paying spectators.
Hürzeler acknowledged the challenges of the international break, particularly for South American players who had midweek matches followed by long-haul flights. He suggested that FA Cup fixtures after international breaks should be scheduled for Sundays to allow for better recovery. Comparing Brighton’s match to Bournemouth vs. Manchester City, he noted a clear difference in intensity and quality.
Mitoma, who has been a key player for Brighton, struggled against Forest despite being rested for Japan’s second international game. Hürzeler explained that the coaching staff consulted players about their fitness before making lineup decisions.
Looking ahead to Brighton’s Premier League clash against Aston Villa, Hürzeler confirmed that Mitoma had recovered well and was in good shape. He also addressed João Pedro’s limited involvement against Forest, stating that player health remains a priority in managing the congested schedule.
Leave a Reply