Manchester City fullback Wayne Bridge has defended suspended Brighton boss Gus Poyet.
Former England defender Bridge, 32, who has been on a season-long loan with the Seagulls, claims Poyet is one of the best managers he has worked with and said he hoped the current issue could be resolved.
Bridge said: "He is a top-class manager. Both tactically and on the man-management side he is one of the best I have worked with.
"Gus has revitalised my love for football after I was in the wilderness at Manchester City. He got me to focus and enjoy my football again.
"I hope he and Brighton can get their problems sorted because they have both been great for each other.
"Brighton have been great to me. I just want to say a big thank-you to the chairman and the fans and I'm really sorry it wasn't the ending we were hoping for."