Fabian Hurzeler on the victory over Villarreal

Main Club Sponsor

TICKETS

SHOP

The head coach reflects on his team's final pre-season match ahead of the Premier League season.

2024-08-10T17:30+01:00

How pleased were you with the overall performance?

Of course, with the result we are happy. But we have to be honest, there was a big chance for Villarreal in the first minute and [if they score] then the game might be different, but after this chance I think we were good.

It was a bit too wild early on but after 20-25 minutes the goal helped us control the game. After the [first minute] chance they didn't create chances at all, so I was happy with the defensive performance. Offensively, in the second half it was much more dominant from us with more ball control and 4-0 is fine as a result with goals and a clean sheet, but we know that we still have a lot of work to do.

How nice was it to have Joao Pedro back and scoring?

Joao Pedro can do special things, and I think it was a really good performance from him and the team. It was his first game for us, but football is a team sport so to make him shine the team has to work well, and that's always the priority.

Danny Welbeck rounds off an emphatic Albion performance with our fourth goal from the penalty spot.

Do you have to make a few decisions on players and whether they're going to be a part of your plans this season?

It's part of my job to make decisions. Of course, they are hard decisions but it's all for the success of the club.

Julio Enciso was watching, how is he?

We have to give him time. He had the Copa America, then the Olympics, so he’s had a lot of games during the summer, but I don’t think it will be too long before he is back on the pitch.

You made nine changes and showed the strength of the squad.

That's a very important thing to know that we have always have options from the bench, because when the game is equal, the players who come in can make a difference and change the dynamic of the game.

How much did you enjoy your first experience of the Amex?

I always like to play at home. It should be our fortress, like a castle. But we have to make sure that we give performances on the pitch, so that this energy and this intensity transfers to the supporters. I hope we can do it game to game at home, and I know that the away fans are amazing, we saw it at Queens Park Rangers, last week.