Fans think Brighton's Fabian Hurzeler aimed 'humble' dig at Erling Haaland in post-match interview

11/10/2024 07:21 AM

Fans are convinced Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler purposely said his side need to ‘stay humble’ after beating Manchester City.

That word has become synonymous with Pep Guardiola’s side ever since striker Erling Haaland told Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta to ‘stay humble’ in the feisty 2-2 draw between last season’s title rivals.

Man City lost 2-1 to Brighton at the AMEX on Saturday, as Joao Pedro and Matt O’Riley’s late goals cancelled out Haaland’s record-breaking first half opener.

And supporters on social media think Hurzeler had a cheeky dig at City’s striker in his post-match interview.

Beaming after beating the reigning Premier League champions, the German said: “I’ve had great experiences at my former clubs, so I wouldn’t say it’s the biggest win of my career – but it’s an important one.

“Last week, we talked about a great performance but not the result against Liverpool. Today we got a result, so I’m happy.”

He added: “On the one hand, it’s important to gain self-confidence from games like this.

“On the other, it’s important to stay humble, keep focusing on the hard work and keep focusing on the process.”

And fans thought he’d used the word ‘humble’ on purpose.

“Hurzeler has basically just said ‘stay humble eh?'” one wrote on X.

A second said: “He knows EXACTLY what he's doing here.”

“He is mocking Haaland!” a third said.

Brighton’s victory puts them fourth in the league, four points behind City who sit second.

Since Man City drew 2-2 with Arsenal, Pep Guardiola’s side has suffered a dramatic dip in form.

Man City have lost four games in a row following their defeat to Brighton.

Losses against Tottenham and Bournemouth in the Premier League and defeat to Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League have marked an usually poor run of form for City.

This is the first time Guardiola has lost four games in a row at any club he’s managed.

After the loss to Brighton, he was asked if this is the end of City’s Guardiola era after winning an unprecedented four straight top-flight league titles.

The Spanish boss said: “It’s what the people want, right?

“That’s normal – we won a lot.”

But while he remained jovial about his future, he wasn’t so chirpy on the touch line.

He failed to hide his anger with Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke for hauling Haaland down.