‘Cards on the table’ – Key Brighton man reveals first chat with Fabian Hurzeler and how it changed him

Experienced Brighton defender Joel Veltman admits he is still learning more about the game and himself under new head coach Fabian Hurzeler.

   Veltman, 32, has been a key man for Albion this term, starting six of their seven Premier League games so far.    The only game he missed due to illness, Albion lost 4-2 in a chaotic game against Chelsea.

   “The first real conversation was after strength and conditioning training in Japan [during pre-season] and he told me he really liked me, that I could see the game properly and what the game required of me as a player,” the former Ajax man told the website  Albion.

   “He also said that given his experience, he could talk a lot more to the players around him. He wanted me to be more active on the pitch in terms of communication. He was straight to the point and I really liked that.

   “When you have an honest coach like that, you know where you are, where you stand. I prefer people to be open and put all their cards on the table.”

   The ultra-reliable Veltman joined Brighton for a bargain £900,000 in 2020 and has proved to be one of their most valuable signings of the Premier League era.    The 28-capped Netherlands international is now playing a bigger role in helping younger players and new signings integrate.

   “I’m not the loudest character to be honest. You have different leaders, don’t you? James Milner, for example, is always talking, always shouting, communicating, while Dunky is more humble, leading by example.

   “Then you have someone like me who would rather talk to an individual than in front of a whole group. But I agree with the thief 100%; I need to interact more with the guys in front of me because then you’ll be in less trouble.”