Brighton’s Hughton ready to embrace Premier League challenges

Brighton & Hove Albion boss Chris Hughton believes an opening-day showdown with Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City is the perfect example of why he became a manager.

The former Norwich City boss is preparing to have a crack at the Premier League once more having led the Canaries, though his latest voyage comes with new ground as he leads a Seagulls side preparing for their first foray among football’s elite.

That starts with the visit of Man City to the Amex Stadium, a match mixed with both trepidation and excitement, with fans already flocking to get their first piece of action in the big time.

Hughton is among those sharing in Brighton fans’ delight, hoping he can step up to the plate alongside the players as their pre-season preparations ramp up ahead of the August curtain-raiser.

(Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

“As a manager and a coach, you’re aspiring to be the best that you can, and that means applying your trade at the next level,” he said.

“We all know what the Premier League is now and the quality of players and managers in it.

“It’s a great feeling to be among that kind of company. We’re very aware of how tough it will be, because generally, when you’re playing against these top-class managers, they’re managing top-class teams and have got top-class players.

“That makes things more difficult. They’re the wonderful challenges you have and if you can’t look forward to those challenges, then you shouldn’t be here.”