Hurzeler reacts to inspiring win over Spurs

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The head coach was delighted with his team's second half performance.

Bruce Talbot

2024-10-06T18:15+01:00

Fabian Hurzeler's team found themselves 2-0 down at half-time, but mounted an incredible response in the second half. 📷 by James Boardman.

On the difference between the first and second halves…

“We played in possession a good first half. We created a lot of chances, but of course we were missing intensity against the ball and were [not] winning the personal duels.

“At half-time we said we had to fulfil the match plan with more intensity. We had to get our confidence back by making the small things right and focusing on the things we could control. In the first half Tottenham played with intensity and we weren’t ready for this.

“If you have self-confidence you get in the flow. And they worked hard for this flow, to create and score these goals. They won the crowd back with the energy they showed on the pitch in the second half.

“I’m really proud how the team reacted because at half-time they took the responsibility. They showed character, they showed personality, and the reaction was great in the second half. We have great characters in the team.”

On whether Spurs underestimated Albion…

Georginio Rutter loves it. 📷 by James Boardman.

“I'm not really interested if they underestimated us or not. It is always tough to win Premier League games, no matter who you play against. I have said to my team before that it's possible to win against every team if you trust your own quality and if you believe in yourself. That is exactly what my team did in the second half and I think we completely deserved the win.”

On being sixth going into the international break…

“I don't judge the performances by the results because in the end I'm completely convinced that if you focus on the process the results will come. It’s normal to have ups and downs, and we had a small down against Chelsea. But we learnt from it and if you improve individually and as a group will always get better. The league is so competitive, you must work hard for momentum and use it when you have it. But, of course, I have a lot of trust in the potential of my team.”

On some really good individual performances in the team…

Danny Welbeck runs off to celebrate his goal that put Albion 3-2 up. 📷 by James Boardman.

“I'm not the biggest fan about talking about individual performances but I think all four offensive players had a great game. I'm not judging them by goals or making assists. I'm judging them how they work against the ball and how hard they work when they lose the ball.

“I think in the first half it wasn't good enough from all of them but in the second half, like the whole team, they showed a good reaction. Kaoru Mitoma and Pervis Estupinan are both coming back after long injuries and are still trying to get back into the right shape. But they played with intensity and quality; they are important players for us. We need to help them and the new players. It’s our responsibility to give them the environment where they can adapt and can improve.”