Brighton & Hove Albion manager Fabian Hurzeler has challenged his squad to capitalise on the groundwork they laid during the previous campaign.
This objective hinges on overcoming Norwegian side Tromso across a two-legged Conference League qualifying tie spanning the next week.
The Sussex club can guarantee group stage participation by defeating the Elitserien outfit over the eight-day period.
Hurzeler and skipper Lewis Dunk met journalists at a condensed press briefing at Romssa Stadion on Wednesday, ahead of Thursday’s opening encounter at the venue accommodating close to 7,000 spectators.
The German coach stated that the club recognises the significance of the fixture and the chance it presents.
He acknowledged Tromso as a formidable adversary, noting that the coaching staff have analysed numerous of their matches and studied their possession-based approach from defence.
The pressing intensity displayed by the Norwegian team left a strong impression, he added.
Preparation would centre on readiness, with the primary instruction being concentration on their own performance and the ability to express their strengths on the field, with success as the aim.
The squad inspected the synthetic surface but opted against training on it.
Hurzeler commented that while the playing conditions differ, the club does not intend to cite this as a reason for any potential shortcomings.
The return fixture will take place at Brighton’s home ground the following week.
Thursday’s match would be contested on Tromso’s artificial turf, representing an adjustment for the playing staff, though he expressed confidence in their capacity to acclimatise swiftly.
He observed that the group demonstrated genuine enthusiasm for the trip, maintained unity, and were endeavouring to familiarise themselves with the pitch characteristics.
The objective remained to implement their own style of play and achieve a positive outcome.
The club faces a significant chance to progress, with the players having invested considerable effort throughout the entire season.
They experienced both prosperous and difficult periods collectively while consistently displaying determination.
This qualification represents the tangible outcome of that dedication and the contributions made by the squad members themselves.
The group has consistently remained united and confronted the challenges presented throughout the season.
Now the responsibility falls to the players to complete what they started by delivering results across both legs.
The opposition presents a difficult test, yet this remains the club’s objective.