Brighton Boss Sends Private Message to Arteta After Arsenal Clash

Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler has revealed he sent a private text message to Mikel Arteta following his public criticism of Arsenal’s time-wasting tactics during their recent 1-0 defeat at the Emirates.

The German coach had accused Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya of feigning injury to run down the clock during last week’s match, comments that clearly irked the Arsenal manager. However, Hurzeler has now disclosed that he reached out personally to clarify his position.

Clearing the Air

“I texted him and I said the same thing to him as well, that I have huge respect for everyone from Arsenal, and that I will be the first one who will congratulate him when they win the Premier League,” Hurzeler explained in his Friday press conference.

The Brighton boss was keen to emphasize that his criticism was not personal, despite standing by his original comments about Arsenal’s game management tactics that evening.

“I didn’t want to upset anyone from Arsenal, I didn’t want to upset the staff or the players, but on the other side I will stick to my words that some things I wasn’t happy about that night,” he stated.

Mutual Respect

Despite the controversy, Hurzeler was effusive in his praise for Arteta and Arsenal’s achievements this season. The 31-year-old described the Arsenal manager as “one of the best managers in the world” and called him a “role model.”

“I really admire what Arsenal achieved so far this season, I really admire seeing Mikel Arteta, his team, his players and all the staff how they work,” he added.

The Brighton manager insisted his private message to Arteta reiterated these sentiments, explaining that he wanted to ensure there were no personal hard feelings between the two coaches.

“It’s nothing personal, and I said at the press conference that I’ve huge respect, and I see him as one of the top managers in the Premier League,” Hurzeler confirmed.

While Hurzeler maintained his stance on Arsenal’s time-wasting tactics and called for clearer rules around such behavior, he was adamant that his respect for the club’s work this season remained unchanged. Arsenal currently sit at the top of the Premier League table as they chase their first title since 2004, with Arteta’s tactical evolution drawing praise from across the football world.

The incident highlights the fine line managers must walk between competitive criticism and professional respect in the modern game.