Glenn Murray says Brighton are dreaming of another European tour – but warned they will be better equipped to mount a challenge next season instead.
Thursday night’s victory at relegation-threatened Ipswich finally ended a eight-game Premier League winless streak for the Seagulls that dated back to late November. Brighton qualified for the Europa League two years ago and went on to record famous wins against the likes of Ajax and Marseille before bowing out to Roma in the last 16.
Fabian Hurzeler replaced Roberto De Zerbi in the Amex hotseat in a summer of upheaval, and the Seagulls have endured a mixed campaign so far. Former Brighton forward Murray believes the South Coast club will be in a better position to challenge for the European spots next year.
Speaking ahead of Sunday’s trip to Manchester United, he said: “I think the club always wants to try and better itself as every football club does. I think a top ten finish would be acceptable this year. Obviously, without doubt, getting into Europe is kind of a dream again to be able to get there.
“I think there’ll probably be a better place to do that next year when there’s been less movement at the football club. What did they bring in? Seven players, a new manager, a new coaching staff. That’s a lot of change for people to get used to and settle into, including the manager side of it.
“I think next year they’ll be more primed and more probably expectant to get into Europe, but I’m not ruling it out this season either.”
Brighton have bagged 32 goals in 21 games, with Danny Welbeck scoring six to top the charts, followed by Joao Pedro on five. However, Murray is not concerned by the goals being shared around the side and thinks the team will go from strength to strength.
He added: “I think when you looked at Brighton’s forward line going into the start of the season, you’d be quite comfortable going in with that.
“Brighton can be frustrating sometimes, they’ve dropped points from winning positions this season, but I think the important thing is that they’ve managed to take the lead in games. Maybe you can question their game management slightly. It’s a really young group, bags and bags of potential, and I’m really excited to see where they go.”
Glenn Murray was speaking on behalf of 10bet.
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