soccer

Brentford 0-2 Brighton: What Hurzeler and Milner said

Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler, speaking to Sky Sports: "It is a better feeling. I'm proud of the team, very happy for the supporters. They waited for the win so I am happy for them. In the second half we had to defend a lot but overall we deserved this win."

On what changed today: "We scored goals and were there in the right moments. The key detail was we scored and defended the key moments in the right way."

On if it was hard to stay positive: "They always had positivity, they always stick together. Just have to put these kind of energy on the pitch. I always know what we are capable of. It was not a big issue for me, I am a positive guy and try to give positivity to the group."

On why he started James Milner: "He was the leader, he communicated, he has a good understanding of the game, he knows his game, he is reliable. He waited long for this moment and we are happy for him. Not only experience but also quality. He was one of the best in training and I keep saying if you train well and keep pushing you will get the chance.

"He always puts the team first, always puts the club first. He is not only a role model on the pitch but beside the pitch. On the pitch he gives everything, I can never remember a day he didn't give 100% effort. He is a role model."

Brighton midfielder James Milner on reaching 564 Premier League appearances: "It's the drive and hunger, you want to be the best every day whether it's game or training. I'm surrounded by a lot of young lads, I want to contribute to their careers, push them and help them get to the highest level as quick as possible.

"That's what I'm here to do. I feel like I can still contribute minutes. I've been a bit frustrated this year, maybe not getting the minutes, but it's a fine balance because of course we have to develop players as well and we want to win.

"Hopefully I've proved the last few games that I can still contribute on the pitch. I'm delighted to be part of it and the dressing room, it's full of incredible characters and very good players, and a good up and coming manager."

How much longer will you continue playing?

"Who knows, things change quickly in football. When you get older things can change quickly. With the injury I had last season I couldn't lift my foot for six months. I'll keep pushing, let's see where that takes us."

Did you know?

  • James Milner has faced 43 different sides in the Premier League remaining unbeaten against seven teams, with one of those being Brentford, ending on the winning side in all four of his appearances against the Bees.

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