Brighton fans turn on Hurzeler after defeat by bitter rivals Palace

“It’s not an easy situation but there are only two options: to give up or to keep working harder, and that’s always the option I choose so far in my life.

“That’s why I am sitting here because I never give up. That’s what I will keep pushing to do. I think it’s the hardest moment [of my managerial career], but it’s also the moment where I try to get the most out of it, I learn the most and I will grow the most. I will face this adversity and I will get through it.”

Brighton, who would have climbed into the top half of the table with three points, have now won just one of their last 12 top-flight fixtures.

Supporters initially took aim at Hürzeler in the 71st minute when he replaced Maxim De Cuyper, Carlos Baleba and Harry Howell with Diego Gómez, Yankuba Minteh and Danny Welbeck in a triple substitution.

Jeers grew louder as Brighton’s struggles continued, building to a crescendo at the final whistle after which some fans called for Hürzeler to be dismissed.

“I always promise I give my heart, I give my soul for this club, and I will keep doing this,” the 32-year-old German said. “It’s not an easy situation to take. But I will absorb the criticism.

“It’s fine if they [fans] find the person in me to blame – because in the end I’m responsible – as long as they support the team.”

November’s reverse fixture at Selhurst Park ended goalless and, based on the opening hour, a similar outcome here seemed a distinct possibility. However, a minute later, substitute Evann Guessand made an instant impact on his debut for Palace.

The Ivory Coast forward, who has joined on loan from Aston Villa, seized on a poor headed clearance from Lewis Dunk to slip in Sarr, who took his time before finishing beyond Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen.