Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler is hopeful his side can produce a “comeback” following their exit from the FA Cup.
The Seagulls were knocked out on penalties by Nottingham Forest in the quarter-finals, ending their hopes of an appearance at Wembley.
However, the South Coast side still have a shot at making Europe by the end of the campaign.
With 10 games left, Brighton sit seventh, just two points off the top four.
Champions League football will be the primary aim for Hurzeler and his men, but even a spot in the Europa League or Europa Conference League would mark a successful season for the team.
Speaking ahead of their Premier League return against rivals Aston Villa, Hurzeler said: “It’s a great opportunity for a comeback. A setback and a disappointment doesn’t feel great, but I always say the feeling of a comeback is always greater, so we have to work for that.”
We go again on Wednesday… 📲✊ pic.twitter.com/X6tUplGuqp
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) March 31, 2025
“We’ve always been a club that doesn’t want to hide behind our ambitions or be seen as the small club. Although we don’t have the financial budget of other teams, you can still play a good season and fight for Europe if you stick together as a team.”
Brighton have had an up and down campaign, but have scored some big results under their new boss.
Most notably, the Seagulls have beaten the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City and Newcastle this term, suggesting they would be good value for a European spot in 2025-26.
The featured in the Europa League last season, but were knocked out by Roma in the last-16.
They will be hoping to pick up the required points in the final 10 games to mark their return to the big stage.
