Brighton and Hove Albion head coach Fabian Hurzeler is choosing to focus on the positives following their dramatic League Cup exit at the hands of Manchester City on Wednesday night.
The two sides played out a thrilling 2-2 draw at the Etihad Stadium before City goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli saved two spot-kicks to seal a 4-3 penalty shootout victory.
Brighton twice fought back during an open contest, pushing the league leaders to their limits.
Hurzeler stressed that the performance confirms Brighton's tactical maturity as they prepare to resume their domestic campaign:
"I have huge respect for the players and the way they applied themselves," he said. "Going toe-to-toe with Manchester City on their own patch and showing that courage on the ball proves the direction this group is heading."
City's reward for Wednesday's shootout triumph is a home quarter-final tie against League One side Bradford City, who defeated Peterborough United 2-0 earlier in the week.
