Fans believe Brighton's Fabian Hurzeler 'humbly' targeted Erling Haaland in post-match interview

Fans are convinced Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler deliberately said his team must “stay humble” after beating Manchester City.

That word has become synonymous with Pep Guardiola's team since he was a striker. Erling Haaland said Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta called for “remaining humble” in the intense 2-2 draw between last season's title rivals.

Man City lost 2-1 to Brighton at the AMEX on Saturday, when late goals from Joao Pedro and Matt O'Riley canceled out Haaland's. record first half of the first half.

And fans on social media believe Hurzeler made a cheeky comment to the City striker in his post-match interview.

Beaming after beating the reigning Premier League champions, the German said: “I've had great experiences at my old clubs, so I wouldn't say it's the biggest win of my career, but it's an important one.

“Last week we talked about a great performance, but not about the result against Liverpool. Today we got a result, so I'm happy.”

And he added: “On the one hand, it is important to gain self-confidence in games like this.

“On the other hand, it's important to stay humble, continue to focus on the hard work, and continue to focus on the process.”

And fans thought he used the word “humble” on purpose.

“Hurzeler basically just said 'stay humble, huh?'” one wrote on X.

A second said: “He knows EXACTLY what he's doing here.”

“He's making fun of Haaland!” said a third.

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Brighton's victory puts them fourth in the league, four points behind second-place City.

Since Manchester City drew 2-2 with Arsenal, Pep Guardiola's team has suffered a dramatic drop in form.

Man City have lost four games in a row after their defeat against Brighton.

The defeats against Tottenham and Bournemouth in the Premier League and the defeat against Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League have marked a bad run for City.

This is the first time Guardiola has lost four games in a row for any club he has managed.

After the defeat to Brighton, he was asked if this is the end of City's Guardiola era after winning an unprecedented four consecutive top-flight league titles.

The Spanish coach said: “It's what the people want, right?

“That's normal, we win a lot.”

But while he remained jovial about his future, he wasn't so cheerful on the touchline.

He he couldn't hide his anger with Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke for bringing down Haaland.