Fabian Hurzeler has become the new Brighton manager from the upcoming season. The German coach replaced Roberto De Zerbi at Brighton.
Brighton would reform themselves under De Zerbi’s reign. They would endure a 9th place finish in 2021/2022 season. However, De Zerbi would secure a Europa League spot with the Seagulls in his first year at Brighton. Moreover, Brighton would finish 6th with an impressive 62 points.
The Seagulls would beat the big name teams and play attacking football under De Zerbi. However in his second season, Brighton would falter once again finishing outside the top 10. Consquently, Marseille reached an agreement to sign De Zerbi as Head Coach for the upcoming season.
Brighton would be keen to return to European football next season as they look to take on against the big six! The Seagulls have appointed 31-year old Fabian Hurzeler as De Zerbi’s replacement. Fabian Hurzeler has become the youngest ever manager in the Premier League since taking charge at Brighton.
The appointment of such a young coach in the Europe’s best league may come as a surprise to many. Although, Brighton CEO Paul Barber speaks of Hurzler highly. In fact, Barber would hire him on the spot within minutes of meeting him. Barber stated:
“Within five minutes of meeting him, the age thing had been forgotten” .
Barber certainly seems to be in awe of Hurzeler’s ideology. Especially, considering how important experience is for any Head Coach. However, we have seen young coaches like Julian Naglesmann prosper at the top. In fact, Naglesmann was merely 28 when he took on his first position.
Who is Fabian Hurzeler?
Hurzeler is a German football manager who is also a former player. He had a senior player career spanning 11 years. Hurzeler would go on to play for teams like Bayern Munich II, 1869 Hoffenheim II, 1860 Munich II, FC Pipinsried and Eimsbutteler TV.
He would also feature for Germany until the U19 squad. However, Hurzeler never made it to Germany’s first team. Subsequently, he began his managerial career with FC Pipinsried in 2016. Statistically speaking, his record at FC Pipinsried weren’t that great. He would merely win 38 out of his 103 games maintaining a win percentage of 36.89.
Subsequently, he would join FC St. Pauli as an Assistant Coach. Followingly, he would become the Head Coach in December 2022 on an interim basis. Owing to his positive results, he would be permanently made the Head Coach just two weeks into his new role.
Hurzeler would enjoy plenty of success with St. Pauli. In his 55 games in-charge, he would secure 36 wins and lose merely 7 times maintaining a 63.45 win%. FC St. Pauli would also clinch the 2. Bundesliga this season with Hurzeler at the helm!
What’s next for the Seagulls and Hurzeler?
Fabian Hurzeler could be the key to Brighton succeeding again. Paul Barber has high hopes for the Seagulls and wants a top 10 finish. Meanwhile, an exciting young coach like Hurzeler could provide the newness and much needed creativity. Hurzeler discussed his coaching philosophy, stating:
“I prefer football with intensity and football with courage”.-
If Brighton want to compete against the Big Six, this is exactly the kind of mindset they will be requiring. Many eyebrows will be raised in wonder of Hurzeler’s appointment due to his age. Especially, youth signifies inexperience in many cases. However, that is far from the case for Fabian Hurzeler and Brighton!
Hurzeler may be young, but, he has plenty of experience. The 31-year old is acting as a manager since the past 8 years! If Hurzeler’s tactics and Barber’s faith pay off, Brighton could be a tough competitions for teams like West Ham, Manchester United, Chelsea and Newcastle in the upcoming season!
The German coach thinks of himself as ‘the grounded one’. Moreover, he wants to acquire a more friendly role despite his part in the authority. It would be interesting to see how Brighton shape up under Fabian Hurzeler.
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