Brighton boss challenges Man City and Liverpool and dismisses 'small club' label

Brighton's head coach Fabian Hurzeler has acknowledged the need for his team to possibly adopt a "win ugly" approach in their ambition to shake off their "small club" image.

With Brighton sitting eighth in the Premier League and preparing for the challenge posed by titleholders Manchester City on Saturday, Hurzeler has reflected on the season so far and Brighton's ability to aim for an even loftier league position.

Despite a disappointing defeat against Liverpool last weekend that saw them leading until the 70th minute at Anfield, Hurzeler remains optimistic ahead of facing a City side who have lost three successive matches, praising his team's style and development so far.

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Speaking ahead of City's visit to the Amex Stadium, Hurzeler discussed the balance his team must strike between attractive play and effective results.

"On the one side I think we can be happy about the performances, how we play, the style of play, how we have developed," Hurzeler told PA Sport.

"On the other side, when we look at the results, we could have more points. There we have to find a good balance between playing a good style of play and getting the results for the style of play

"So, on the one side happy, on the other side there are still things we can improve, especially the game management, how to win the games, maybe in an ugly way, how to win the games in an efficient way.

"There we are still in a process. That's what I have said from the beginning, there are positive and negative things.

"We try to build an environment here, an atmosphere where the