Brighton & Hove Albion head coach Fabian Hurzeler says he has has clarified his criticism of Arsenal in an exchange of text messages with Mikel Arteta.
Hurzeler explained he messaged the Arsenal manager following his team’s 1-0 defeat by the Premier League leaders at the Amex Stadium on March 4.
Hurzeler accused Arsenal of time-wasting tactics that are “not football” and said “I will never be that kind of manager who tries to win in that way”.
Hurzeler told reporters on Friday during his press briefing for Brighton’s visit to Sunderland on Saturday: “It’s nothing personal and I’ve said it before I have huge respect (for Arteta). I see him as one of the top managers in the Premier League. I love to see them play and I admire a lot of elements of what they are doing.
“I texted him and said the same thing to him as well, that I have huge respect for everyone at Arsenal and I will be the first one to congratulate them when they win the Premier League, because if they win it they will definitely deserve it.
“But on the other side there were just things that made me emotional and I am a person that sticks to my principles, sticks to my opinion, although it created a lot of noise. I think that’s important in life.”
Hurzeler, asked if Arteta responded to his message, said: “Yeah. We had a good exchange before in general and also afterwards he shared his opinion, I shared my opinion. In the end it’s football, it’s about emotions, everyone defending his side, everyone trying to defend his opinion.
“But overall, like I said, I admire his work and we are still in a good exchange. Therefore, I wish him and Arsenal all the best.”
Kaoru Mitoma is a doubt for Brighton’s game at Sunderland after he was substituted at half-time against Arsenal. “The scan shows no injury, it’s just a question of pain and if he can handle it or not,” Hurzeler said.
Lewis Dunk and Solly March are available after missing the Arsenal defeat. Dunk, nursing a knee injury, could make his 500th Brighton start at Sunderland.
