Has Fabian Hurzeler got what it takes to steer Brighton back into Europe?
When news broke regarding Brighton’s efforts to hire a 31-year-old Bundesliga II-winning manager to replace Roberto De Zerbi, it’s fair to say eyebrows were raised in the football world.
A manager who ended his playing career aged just 23, Hurzeler headed immediately down the management route, taking charge of a fifth-tier German club ahead just 23.
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From Pipinsried to the Premier League
He managed to get FC Pipinsried promoted to Regionalliga Bayern, the fourth tier, before returning to the fifth tier two years later.
Nevertheless, his work attracted the attention of St. Pauli, who enlisted Hurzeler’s services as an assistant coach to Timo Schultz.
After Schultz’ departure in December 2022, Hurzeler was given the reins full time aged just 29. Within 12 months, he secured his UEFA Pro Licence and a further 12 months on, he helped steer St. Pauli back into the German Bundesliga.
His style of play is what attracted Brighton owner, Tony Bloom, who had also toyed with the idea of hiring Ipswich boss, Kieran McKenna.
His high-tempo, possession-based approach, complete with structural fluidity, has made Albion incredibly hard to stop so far this season.
After just two defeats in their first ten games, the Seagulls are priced at 3.25 with bet365 to finish in the top six. They were two places and two points shy of sixth after matchday ten, so it’s not an outlandish prospect.
The Premier League odds of bet365 are also some of the most competitive for sports betting in Canada, cementing the sportsbook as one of the top three rated operators in the Great White North, as well as the UK, where it originated in Stoke-on-Trent.
Getting under the skin of Hurzeler’s approach
Hurzeler’s philosophy is to try and improve every single player. Aside from his expansive and ultra-aggressive system, his man-management skills were highly regarded at St.
Pauli, helping to bring together a band of brothers to storm out of the German second tier. His age helps in terms of his relatability with the playing staff.
He’s not an age-old headmaster. In some situations, he may even be younger than some of the Brighton squad. Nevertheless, his approach gains the respect of the wider dressing room from the word go.
Tony Bloom’s mission for Brighton is to meddle with the Premier League establishment. The Seagulls already achieved it in 2022/23 when they finished sixth to enter the Europa League in 2023/24. Can Hurzeler’s approach give Albion a fighting chance to play European football again?
There’s absolutely no reason why not. Brighton are just three points shy of third-placed Nottingham Forest after ten games.
They fact they’ve only lost a fifth of their league fixtures shows Brighton are hard to beat and easy on the eye.
With the likes of Tottenham, Chelsea and Aston Villa all embroiled in European competition this season, there’s a chance for Hurzeler and Brighton to apply pressure on their league positions by staying fresher and more consistent than their rivals.
Keeping key players fit will naturally aid Brighton’s cause, but Hurzeler has the system and the mentality to go a long way in the game.
