Brighton Coach Confident as Welbeck Seeks to End Goal Drought

BRIGHTON, England — Brighton & Hove Albion head coach Fabian Hurzeler expressed confidence that forward Danny Welbeck will soon score his first goal of the season, despite an ongoing six-game drought.

Welbeck, wearing the No. 9 jersey, contributed with an assist in Brighton’s 6-0 victory over Barnsley in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday. “He had a good game,” said Hurzeler during a press conference before Saturday’s match against Chelsea. “I don’t judge the strikers by scoring goals, I judge the strikers by how they work for their team.”

The 34-year-old has a commendable history against Chelsea, having secured two goals and two assists in his last four outings against them. “Now it’s about him getting out of this phase,” Hurzeler added. “He can only step out by working hard, believing in himself.”

Hurzeler emphasized Welbeck’s experience, stating, “He has gone through these phases many times in his career. We’re all confident he will overcome this and come back strong.”

In contrast, Joao Pedro, Welbeck’s former partner, has found success at Chelsea, scoring twice in his first five league games since his transfer in July. Hurzeler noted Pedro’s quality, saying, “He’s a game changer for them, so we have to defend as a team.”

Brighton currently stands 14th in the Premier League, with five points from their initial five matches. The return of defenders Maxim De Cuyper and Mats Wieffer from injury strengthens Hurzeler’s squad as they head to Stamford Bridge.