Brighton boss focuses on players' family time over Christmas
Fabian Hurzeler believes spending time with loved ones is key to mental health
Last updated 24th Dec 2025
Seagulls boss Fabian Hurzeler says it is as important for players' mental health to spend as much time with their families over Christmas as possible.
Brighton have two away games before 2026 is ushered in, with Saturday's trip to Arsenal followed by a trip to West Ham on Tuesday.
Hurzeler said: "We stay in our in our normal rhythm, but definitely I try to give them more time off because it's family time and I think family is the most important in life.
"There's football, and I'm sure that some of my players don't see their families that often.
"So they have the chance to see them now, they have the chance to get like mentally recovered, to see their loved ones, to have like nice chats, to have maybe nice surprises, to spend some time together."
On his players' well-being over Christmas, Hurzeler added: "I think it's so important for their mental health, it's so important for them to see their family and to enjoy the time.
"That's why I try to give them the most time off as possible.
"I think that's all my responsibility. And then I hope that they come back stronger."