Hurzeler Calls for Rutter to Shine After Pedro’s Departure

Brighton & Hove Albion’s head coach Fabian Hurzeler has emphasized the need for Georginio Rutter to step up following the departure of former teammate Joao Pedro to Chelsea for £60 million. Rutter has struggled to find his form this season, recording no goals and three assists in eight league appearances.

During a press conference ahead of Brighton’s match against Leeds United on March 15, 2024, Hurzeler acknowledged that Pedro’s exit could have impacted Rutter’s performance. “It can be a reason, definitely,” he stated when asked by The Athletic if the Brazilian’s departure has affected Rutter’s game. “There is more focus on him, more attention on him.”

Hurzeler noted the natural progression that occurs when a key player leaves a team. “When Joao left, Georgi is the next one in this position, so for sure there might be a little bit more attention on him, more focus, more responsibility,” he explained. He added that Rutter must embrace this challenge and find ways to contribute to the team’s success.

In the previous season, Rutter demonstrated his potential by scoring eight goals and providing five assists across 34 matches, a performance that underscored Brighton’s significant investment of £40 million in him. However, an ankle injury sustained in March 2023 sidelined him for the remainder of the season, and he has yet to regain that scoring touch.

Hurzeler was clear that Rutter’s value to the team extends beyond just goals and assists. “He will never get judged by me on scoring and making assists,” he said. “Last season he scored a good amount of goals, made a good amount of assists. It was a top season for him.”

The head coach emphasized the importance of Rutter’s overall contributions to the team. “He is getting judged by how he helps his teammates, the impact he has during a game, the small actions he can influence. That just has to be simple and easy, then I am 100 percent sure that hard work will pay off. He will get back to his shape, back to scoring and making assists.”

Brighton currently sits a point and two places above Leeds United in the league, holding 13th position. The team has remained unbeaten at home for eight matches, a streak that began after a loss to Aston Villa in April 2023. As they prepare to face Leeds at the Amex Stadium, the focus will be on Rutter and his ability to rise to the occasion in light of the changes within the squad.