Chris Hughton admits Brighton’s position is in danger of becoming perilous following their recent run of poor results.
The Seagulls looked as safe as houses at the turn of the year but have picked up just one point from their previous five matches and now find themselves hovering three points above the relegation zone.
Hughton takes his side to managerless Leicester on Tuesday night desperate to reignite their season and avoid a battle to beat the drop.
“We’ve gone from what some perceived as a good position in the league to being on the back of three disappointing results,” said Hughton at his pre-match press conference.
“Those are the facts and we need to start picking up points. We’re still in the FA Cup and that’s a plus for the club and the side. We have to show character now to come through this period.
“The emphasis doesn’t change, though. We know what we need to do to start getting points.
“This group is positive and we know we’ve been doing plenty of things well.”
Brighton could be facing a side out to prove a point following the sacking of manager Claude Puel.
Coaches Mike Stowell and Adam Sadler will be in charge of Leicester after Puel was axed on Sunday in the wake of their 4-1 defeat by Crystal Palace.
“The managerial departure shows how difficult this job is,” added Hughton.
“Things change very quickly – you always feel for the manager because he would have put in a lot of hard work.
“We don’t know what the reaction will be but we know they’re a very good side.
“They have a lot of ability and a lot of good individuals – we must focus on the things that we feel we can get a result.”
Striker Glenn Murray and defender Lewis Dunk have been passed fit for the Seagulls after missing the FA Cup win over Derby last time out.
