Fabian Hurzeler has told Albion to take positives from a cruel cup defeat, then exact revenge on their victors.
The Seagulls went out of the Carabao Cup in a shoot-out at Manchester City after drawing 2-2 over 90 minutes.
They led twice, through Malick Yalcouye and Georginio Rutter, and also had the advantage in the shoot-out after Jason Steele saved from Mateo Kovavcic.
But Yasin Ayari and Lewis Dunk were then denied by stand-in City goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli to spark celebrations for the relieved holders.
Albion boss Hurzeler said: “I think the game was there for us. Also the way we conceded the goals was very unlucky.
“Overall we will take plenty of positives away from this performance.
My players really showed togetherness.
“They faced a lot of adversity with goals we conceded out of nowhere but we always try to keep going.
“We had plenty of chances we could score today.
“Sometimes you need also a bit of luck to get to the next round.”
Albion will stay in Manchester until Saturday, when they visit the Etihad in the Premier League.
Hurzeler added: “We have a bad feeling but the positive thing is we can come back in three days again and then we can take revenge and hopefully we have a better feeling.”
Hurzeler tells Albion to be fearless as they seek revenge against Manchester City
Albion have been told to be fearless as they look to stun Manchester City at the second time of asking.
Fabian Hurzeler is preparing his side for a Premier League trip to the Etihad after suffering Carabao Cup heartbreak at the same venue.
City will bring back big guns such as Erling Haaland and Gianluigi Donnarumma.
But Albion caused a few alarms in the cup tie and have selection options of their own.
Charalampos Kostoulas was rested and the hope is that Ferdi Kadioglu and Chema Andres will also return to contention.
Charalampos Kostoulas watches the game at the Etihad (Image: Richard Parkes)
Hurzeler said: “You have to be fearless, and that’s our approach.”
“Of course, you need to just adapt to certain things.”
“You need to have huge respect for the players from City – for their start (to the season), what they are doing, for their style of play.”
“That’s great and it is always nice to watch them but, on other side, you need to be fearless.”
“You need to have belief in our own approach.”
“You need to have to belief in our style of play, in our principles, and in the quality of our players.”
“I’m sitting here with the biggest belief in my players, the biggest belief in everyone who is involved in a game day and enjoying the training this week because I see them working.”
“I see how they work together, I see how much effort they put into all these trainings and preparation, regeneration.”
“I have a big belief that we can get something out on Saturday.”
Hurzeler was in upbeat mood as he faced a small group of media.
Albion then headed off to train in pleasantly warm and sunny conditions in Manchester.
Hurzeler is making no secret of the fact that he sees the league game as a chance of “revenge” and a win would be Albion’s first ever away to City, be it at the Etihad or Maine Road.
He said: “That’s the positive thing. Having that many games, you can’t be frustrated that long.
“Of course, we were all disappointed. We have a disappointing feeling after this game but we can take revenge and success is the only revenge you can take and therefore we try to go on Saturday to be successful.”
