Bo Svensson admits he’s ‘flattered’ by Brighton links – but he insists there has been ‘no contact’
Brighton‘s search for a new manager is still ongoing as they try to find a replacement for new Chelsea boss Graham Potter.
One option that emerged from the club’s shortlist for Brighton is Mainz manager Bo Svensson. The Dane has been in charge of the Bundesliga side since January 2021, leading them to an 8th placed finish last campaign.
This season has started well for Mainz as they are currently 6th in the Bundesliga, having won three of their opening six league games.
Mainz manager Bo Svensson has told Danish media that he is ‘flattered’ by Brighton links
However, the manager claims that links have only occurred because ‘we have a game against Hertha Berlin on Friday,’ he told Danish newspaper BT.
‘There has been no contact between me and Brighton.
‘I probably don’t really need to comment on this either. It’s the media that has written something without any sources, and I’ve just been sent the story.’
Brighton are attractive option for a manager as they are 4th in the Premier League table
Despite suggesting that there has been no contact between himself and the club, he did admit that the links to the Premier League club were ‘flattering’.
The 43-year-old said: ‘It’s flattering, if that’s true. Otherwise, I don’t have much to deal with right now – for me, it’s not concrete right now.
‘But if there’s any truth to it, I’m flattered by it without saying too much else about it.
‘Everything is relative. What is the time ahead? I have a contract until the end of next season and that’s what I’m dealing with right now.
Svensson could be the replacement for Graham Potter (pictured) but says there is ‘no contact’
‘I signed that contract with the intention of fulfilling it, and that’s what I can relate to right now.’
Svensson’s contract expires at Mainz in 2024, but when asked what he would do if he was offered the job at the Amex Stadium he said: ‘We can continue the hypotheses indefinitely. I don’t have reason to comment on it that much.’
Brighton’s hopes of appointing the manager could prove tricky as the German side’s chief Christian Heidel has already insisted that Svensson will not be leaving the club and that the Seagulls can ‘put their gunsight in the drawer.’
Former manager Potter had his first taste of Chelsea and Champions League management on Wednesday night as he orchestrated the Blues’ 1-1 draw against RS Salzburg.