Brighton and Hove Albion boss Fabian Hürzeler said that it would “take a lot” to tempt him away from the club, amid speculation linking him with Bayer Leverkusen.
Hürzeler has been touted as a possible replacement for Kasper Hjulmand, should he pay the price for Leverkusen’s struggles this term.
But the 33-year-old Albion boss talked up the links he has forged at the Amex as the Seagulls keep battling for European football next season when they face Burnley away today (Saturday 11 April).
Hürzeler said: “I feel there is a connection, especially with the fans, a connection that we started building through the highs and lows and now we want a strong finish to the season.
“It will take a lot to take me away from this place. I feel this is a long-term project here – a project where we can be very successful.
“We need to keep working hard but the main thing for me is how is the relationship with the players, with the team, staff, owners and supporters.
“I feel really settled and I feel the foundation is really strong and really good that we can build something.”
Albion captain Lewis Dunk will be suspended for the game at Turf Moor, with Hürzeler also serving a touchline ban, but the manager is content that others can step up.
He said: “We have other leaders who can solve it on the pitch and beside the pitch. We are quite confident that the team are strong enough to handle these things.”
The Seagulls will be looking to complete the double over their hosts after a 2-0 win at home in January.
Meanwhile, Burnley boss Scott Parker hopes that defender Axel Tuanzebe will be fit to play after he scored to send the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the World Cup.
Tuanzebe scored the winner against Jamaica in a World Cup play-off to book DR Congo’s spot in the competition this summer.
And he may be in contention for Burnley as they resume their unlikely push for Premier League safety after the international break.
Parker told a press conference that it was “an incredible achievement – and added to that he scores the winner as well”.
Parker called it “a huge achievement for Axel and Congo as well to go to the World Cup”.
The Clarets’ head coach added: “I’m really pleased for Axel as well, coming out of a bit of an injury where he’s gone there, got his game in and like I said, scored a goal, so we’re pleased for that.”
Asked if Tuanzebe would be fit to face Brighton, Parker added: “I’m hoping so. Obviously, he’s come back. He’s not played a lot of football and he’s gone away, played 120 minutes.
“He’s come back in late as well so we’ll see. Leading into this game, I’ll see how I see him and whether he’s selectable or not.”
Parker provided a further team news update, adding: “Squad is looking okay. We’re fine really in terms of ones coming back into it. Mikey (Tresor) has probably progressed more now, obviously a few more weeks training.
“(Zeki) Amdouni is probably getting a little bit closer now. He’s with us on the grass, albeit a little bit modified. I suspect maybe another couple of weeks with Zeki before we see him.”
Burnley have won just twice at home this season, drawn five and lost eight, and scored 15 goals. Brighton have won four of their away games, drawn four and lost seven, scoring 17 times.
The Clarets look doomed, with 20 points in 19th place and 12 points adrift of safety, wiith seven games remaining. Albion have also played 31 matches and sit in 10th place with 43 points.
The kick-off this afternoon is scheduled for 3pm.
