Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler faced the media ahead of Saturday's Premier League clash with Newcastle United at St James' Park (kick-off 15:00 BST), and the mood was one of cautious optimism. The Seagulls are riding a wave of positive energy after a well-timed break, but Hurzeler made it clear it was all about "refreshing, not relaxing."
In a boost for the squad, Mats Wieffer is available despite being forced off with an injury last time out. The right-back has been managing "a small issue in his ankle" but has trained fully all week. However, James Milner and Solly March will miss the trip to Tyneside, with hopes they'll "be an option for the next game" against Wolves.
Contract talk dominated the presser, with Hurzeler keeping his cards close to his chest. Asked about Milner and March's deals expiring next month, he said: "I will never discuss internal things about contracts. All I can say is that working with them is great. We've had conversations with them both, so they know how we see them and our plan for the future." The same discretion applies to defenders Adam Webster and Joel Veltman.
Injury news brought a bright spot: Diego Gomez is expected to play again this season after picking up a knee injury last month. Hurzeler called it "one of the best pieces of news I've received in the past few weeks." Still, the central midfielder won't feature in this weekend's squad.
Danny Welbeck, meanwhile, "will always be an option to start" given his impressive scoring record against Newcastle. When asked if the 35-year-old should be on the plane to this summer's World Cup, Hurzeler didn't hold back: "He is a great goalscorer, he can help every team in the world, he makes all the players around him better and he takes care of his team-mates off the pitch. A player like him is difficult to find. I can only give a lot of praise to him. I'm very grateful for the job he does at this club, so I hope he will get his chance."
The extended break between matches has clearly recharged the squad. Hurzeler explained: "It was about refreshing mentally and physically after a very intense game against Chelsea. We came back with a lot of energy, enthusiasm and positivity." With this unpredictable Premier League season, Brighton will need every bit of that spirit to snatch points at St James' Park.