Exclusive: Matt O’Riley Determined to Help Brighton Secure European Spot

Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Matt O’Riley is targeting sweet success with the Seagulls.

Ambitious O’Riley is enjoying his debut season in the Premier League having joined from Scottish champions Celtic in a big money move last summer.

After an unwelcome injury setback, is focused on trying to help the Seagulls secure a coveted European qualification spot this season.

“No one has really spoke about specific targets and where we’re going to finish in the table,” O’Riley told SportsBoom.com. 

“But the manager [Fabian Hurzeler] has always spoken about challenging the ‘establishment’, which I presume means games like Liverpool and Man City, and the other teams up the top."

“It’s been great, I always like working with different coaches and different styles of coaches, I think that’s great for everyone to learn different ways of working, that improves you as a player."

“He was one of the reasons I wanted to join the club, because of his approach."

“He’s very approachable, I find it easy to speak with him, which is nice."

“But he’s also very demanding in terms of the standards that he sets, so I’m enjoying it.”

O’Riley added: “This season has been quite weird because the table is so close throughout, but I still think we’re a very good place to do good things."

“But it’s about taking things very slowly and getting better each day as a team – and I think we’re on the right track."

“We want to play European football – and we’re looking to do that as well. So, why not?”

EXTRA GEAR

Brighton are currently tenth in the top flight and targeting a top five finish to qualify for UEFA Champions League football next season.

With just 14 Premier League game remaining, the 24-year-old Denmark international is confident the club can find another gear as they look to challenge for a strong finish to the season.

The Seagulls have already beaten Manchester United twice this season, as well having held league leaders Arsenal to a 1-1 draw at the Amex Stadium and stunned defending Premier League champions Manchester City with a famous 2-1 win at home.

“I’m really enjoying it, it’s been lot of learning this season,” reflected O’Riley, who started his professional career with Fulham, via MK Dons and Celtic, before his rise to the Premier League.

“It’s been quite stop-start at times since Christmas, I’ve had a few unlucky moments, so I’m just trying to get the rhythm back again."

“I took another knock to my knee against Ipswich, which unfortunately kept me out for Manchester United game, but hopefully I’ll get back in the groove again."

“It’s been that recurring theme this season, so it will be nice to get some rhythm to help me out in training and to get some games."

“But I’ve learnt a lot about myself mentally throughout these times, now I’m feeling good.”

SWEET SUCCESS

O’Riley celebrated unprecedented success in Scotland before his move to the south coast in a high-profile £25million deal in August 2024.

He won three Scottish Premiership league titles with the Hoops, as well as two Scottish Cups and a League Cup crown.

Understandably he loved his time a Celtic Park, but is now relishing the chance to test himself against world starts like Manchester City’s Erling Haaland and Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah.

“It’s great to have that challenge, it makes you better,” stressed O’Riley.

“It pushes you to levels that you previously haven’t been able to push yourself too."

“I’m really enjoying playing against the best players, I think that’s when you play your best football."

“Any time you can play against players of that quality, then it’s always about showcasing that.”