Brighton must avoid ‘happy-clappy’ culture, says manager Fabian Hurzeler

Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler has backed Danny Welbeck’s criticism of his team-mates, saying he wants to avoid a “happy-clappy” culture at the club.

Striker Welbeck said Brighton did not play “collectively” in their 4-2 defeat by Brentford last weekend.

“We made our bed and we have to lie in it. It’s not good enough,” said Welbeck.

The defeat, Brighton’s third in their past five matches, leaves the Seagulls 10th in the Premier League and outsiders for a European spot.

“He’s [Welbeck] someone who’s here for a long time, who scores a lot of goals, who gives a great effort for this club so we can be sure he wants the best for this club and the best for his team-mates,” said Hurzeler.

“What I always demand is for a culture where not everything is happy-clappy.

“We demand a culture where we can be honest with each other, where we can share our thoughts, where we can give each other critical feedback.

“If you only are positive and only clap the shoulders of your team-mates then I’m sure no-one gets better from that. So that’s the main thing that I demand here in this club and in this environment.”