Fabian Huerzeler hopes he can enjoy a warm welcome back when he returns to St Pauli.

But Albion’s head coach has told German media he can understand why fans were disappointed when he opted to leave.

Huerzeler is preparing his sixth-placed Seagulls to visit Bournemouth and will speak to the press in Lancing today in the run-up to the game.

He has been asked by Bild in Germany about fans at his previous club being unhappy that he moved on after taking them to the second-tier title.

He replied: “I’d be lying if I said that it passes you by without a trace because I’ve done everything for the club.

“But I also understand the disappointment of the fans.

“I hope that I will still be welcomed with open arms when I return to the Millerntor.”

Huerzeler’s progress in England is being closely monitored in Germany as action resumes after the last international break of 2024.

As well as Yasin Ayari, Huerzeler is likely to be asked about the fitness of Lewis Dunk and Ferdi Kadioglu as he speaks to reporters two days out from what looks a stern test against the Cherries.

Joao Pedro has been pictured working hard at Lancing this week in an Albion group which included several under-21 players