Fabian Hurzeler says he is fully committed to the job at hand at Brighton despite interest from Manchester United.
Michael Carrick is under immense pressure at Old Trafford and while he will remain in charge for this Sunday’s game against Bournemouth, the club are looking at possible alternatives after no wins in seven games.
Brighton meanwhile sit third, thrashing champions Arsenal before September’s international break having also eliminated United from the Carabao Cup.
Hurzeler has admirers at United and would be strongly considered should Carrick be relieved of his duties.
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The German however signed a new long-term contract with the Seagulls in May which ties him to the club until 2029, with the club well placed to demand a huge compensation fee were the head coach to move on.
And Hurzeler has insisted he remains focused on Brighton and is paying no attention to United’s reported interest.
‘I’m fully focused on my job here,’ Hurzeler told a press conference on Friday ahead of Brighton’s trip to Liverpool. ‘I’ve got no time to think about these rumours because we play every three days.
‘I have a lot of respect for Michael Carrick and the job he has done at Manchester United the last season. He’s a great human being, a great personality, and I really respect him.
‘There’s nothing more to say about that.’
He continued: ‘I’m really privileged to be here,” Hurzeler said. ‘I’m part of a journey and I still have this feeling when I go to bed that we are not finished with our journey.
‘I always emphasise that I’m not 100 per cent satisfied and happy with where we are, there are still improvements to make and potential to get out of the players.
‘Therefore I really I want to work with that together with my staff. I have a great group of players, players who support me and give everything for the club.
‘We have built this [together] over the years. We’ve had good periods, we’ve had bad periods. To build these connections you need time. You don’t take these things for granted.
‘It’s a people business. Making a people business out of this pressure business is something I don’t take for granted and something I won’t throw away that fast.’