Fabian Hurzeler responds to Man United links with strong statement on Brighton future
Fabian Hurzeler insists he will not “throw away” his impressive work at Brighton to join Manchester United.
The German manager, 33, is admired by members of Old Trafford hierarchy due to Brighton’s excellent start to the Premier League season.
Brighton sit third, with the Seagulls thrashing the champions Arsenal 3-0 and also knocking United out of the Carabao Cup.
Fabian Hurzeler is under contract at Brighton until 2029 (Getty)
Hurzeler would sit high on United’s list of replacements if they take the decision to part ways with the under-fire Michael Carrick.
United, however, are aware that Hurzeler signed a new long-term contract with Brighton in May, tying him to the club until 2029.
It would therefore require another Premier League team to pay a significant compensation fee but Hurzeler believes his work at the club is not finished.
“I’m fully focused on my job here,” Hurzeler told a press conference on Friday. “I’ve got no time to think about these rumours because we play every three days.
“I have a lot of respect for Michael Carrick and the job he has done at Manchester United the last season. He’s a great human being, a great personality, and I really respect him.
“There’s nothing more to say about that."
Only leaders Manchester City and champions Arsenal have picked up more points than Brighton over the first seven games of the Premier League.
They have also scored 23 goals – four more than City, who have the second-most in the league – and have won four in a row in the competition.
The Seagulls travel to Liverpool on Sunday and Hurzeler believes his Brighton team can continue to aim high in the Premier League.
“I’m really privileged to be here,” Hurzeler said. “I’m part of a journey and I still have this feeling when I go to bed that we are not finished with our journey.
Hurzeler said he remains committed to Brighton and does not take their progress for granted (Reuters)
“I always emphasise that I’m not 100 per cent satisfied and happy with where we are, there are still improvements to make and potential to get out of the players.
“Therefore I really I want to work on that, together with my staff. I have a great group of players, players who support me and give everything for the club.
“We have built this [together] over the years. We’ve had good periods, we’ve had bad periods. To build these connections you need time. You don’t take these things for granted.
“It’s a people business. Making a people business out of this pressure business is something I don’t take for granted and something I won’t throw away that fast.”
Elsewhere on Friday, Antonio Conte distanced himself from the Manchester United job while branding reports that he is in “advanced negotiations” with any club as “speculation”.
The Italian, who has been out of work since leaving Napoli in May, insisted his next move into management will be a “carefully considered decision” and said his chosen club would need to be “right” .
Conte, who previously took charge of Chelsea and Tottenham in the Premier League, is another of the names to be linked with United since Carrick has come under pressure.
In a statement posted on Instagram, Conte said: “Following recent media reports in Italy and abroad, I feel it is appropriate to clarify my position. My name has been linked with numerous clubs, but there are currently no negotiations at an advanced stage.”
Source: sports.yahoo.com — article syndicated from the publisher’s feed; all rights remain with the original publisher.