Fabian Hurzeler believes Brighton are ready to embrace the “big challenge” of European football after a dominant 4-0 win over Tromso booked their place in the Conference League league phase.
Albion had work to do in Thursday evening’s play-off second leg having failed to capitalise on 25 attempts at goal during last week’s 0-0 draw in Norway.
The Seagulls were far more ruthless at the Amex Stadium, with finishes from Charalampos Kostoulas, Maxim De Cuyper, Mats Wieffer and Olivier Boscagli securing a spot in Friday’s draw.
Brighton will balance Premier League commitments with continental competition for only the second time in the club’s history after reaching the last 16 of the Europa League under Roberto De Zerbi in the 2023-24 season.
“I’m very happy for the whole club, for everyone who was involved on that journey, especially last season,” said head coach Hurzeler, who guided the Seagulls to an eighth-placed finish last term.
“I’m very happy for the players, for the fans – they created another good atmosphere here tonight, it was very energetic, very special.
“We are very grateful for this opportunity. We know it will be a big challenge we have to face but we seem to be ready.
“The key will be that we can maintain these standards, the key will be that we can maintain this intensity in the Premier League but also in Europe.
“Hopefully we are prepared for that but we try to give our best, we try to go game by game, and then we see what happens.”
Hurzeler made two changes to the side which started Sunday’s 4-0 top-flight victory over Aston Villa, with Greece forward Kostoulas and midfielder Matt O’Riley replacing injured pair Georginio Rutter and Jack Hinshelwood.
The Seagulls were on top from the first whistle and had established a 3-0 lead by the break thanks to clinical finishes from Kostoulas, De Cuyper and Wieffer, before Boscagli added a deflected fourth late on.
Tromso failed to register an attempt on target in a one-sided encounter and were punished in the first half for attempting to play out from the back.
“Early goals always are helpful and we had a very professional approach, so credit to the players,” said Hurzeler.
“They pressed intense, they forced Tromso to do mistakes. We maintained the standards high, we scored some nice goals.
“The approach we had was key to the success. Overall, a very satisfying performance.”
Brighton return to league action at Chelsea on Sunday.
Asked for an update on midfielder Hinshelwood, who scored twice against Villa at the weekend, Hurzeler said: “He had a small issue in training yesterday and we have to go with him day by day.
“We have to see how it progresses the next days. I can’t give you the clear schedule when he will be back. It can be a really short thing, it can be maybe a thing also of a few days longer.”
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