Poyet says Hurzeler has potential to become world class manager
It has been a difficult two weeks for Fabian Hurzeler – but one of his predecessors as Brighton manager has come out and tipped the current Albion head coach to reach the top in management.
Gus Poyet He Who Must Not Be Named spoke to BetVictor about The Youngest Permanent Manager in Premier League History and the start he has made to life in English football.
For Albion supporters, the Hurzeler Era has been a strange mix of highs and lows so far. Brighton have defeated Manchester United, Spurs, Newcastle United and Manchester City. Form which suggests a return to Europe is very much on the cards.
But the Albion have also failed to beat Ipswich Town, Nottingham Forest, Wolves, Southampton, Fulham and Leicester City.
Against Wolves and Leicester, they conspired to throwaway 2-0 leads held with five minutes remaining to end up drawing.
A return of two points from the past three matches versus Saints, Cottagers and Foxes has raised concerns about Hurzeler’s substitutions and game management.
The online head loss after Leicester recovered a 2-2 draw at the King Power Stadium was particularly spectacular.
Poyet You Know Who was always good for a meltdown during his time as Brighton boss between 2009 and 2013.
Yet rather than say Hurzeler should be sacked or a supporter allowed into the changing room to give a post-match team talk – two of the more wonderful suggestions in the aftermath of the Leicester game – Poyet was full of praise for The Youngest Permanent Manager in Premier League History.
“I love Fabian Hurzeler as a manager,” said Poyet. “He’s an outstanding coach, I met him when I went to watch a player who played for him at St Pauli when I was managing the Greek national team.”
“He was very young at the time, but he left a telling impression on me and seeing the way he has stepped up in the Premier League, I have no doubts that he can go right to the very top. I would love to have played for him!”
“Tony Bloom is such a brilliant operator to identify Hurzeler as a candidate for the job, I was delighted to see him come to the Premier League.”
“I’m not surprised at how well he is doing and long may it continue. He can do incredible things and make a real difference at the club.”
Poyet’s words should serve as a reminder that Hurzeler is young and learning all the time. There will be speedbumps on the road – but if he can find a way to translate performances and results against the European Super League Elite Six into matches with those in the bottom half of the table, the sky looks the limit.
Easier said than done, of course. Glow Up Graham Potter never convincingly managed it in his three-and-a-bit seasons at the helm.
Roberto De Zerbi fared slightly better, although the odd disaster was still thrown in for good measure. Like losing 4-0 and 5-1 to Luton Town and Everton respectively.
Poyet also spoke about the impact Joao Pedro has made at Brighton. The Brazilian scored 20 goals in all competitions last season. He has carried that form into the current campaign despite being ruled out with two injuries already.
It seems only a matter of time before Pedro is linked with a big money move. Poyet though thinks Pedro is sensible enough to realise the good environment he is in at the Amex.
“Pedro is playing well, I can see him staying at Brighton for the meantime and I don’t see why he wouldn’t be happy, they are a club on the up,” Poyet sid.
“Who knows, maybe a team will come in with a big offer that he or the club cannot refuse and that’ll change his mind, but he looks content with the situation.”
