Brighton & Hove Albion has made a bold move by appointing Fabian Hurzeler as their new head coach, creating a buzz in the football world. At just 31 years old, Hurzeler is now the youngest full-time manager in Premier League history, highlighting the club’s commitment to youthful energy and innovative ideas.
Hurzeler’s swift ascent is no accident; it reflects his exceptional work ethic and tactical prowess, showcased during his time at FC St Pauli, where he led them to the Bundesliga 2 title last season. Under his guidance, the team won 20 out of 34 matches, demonstrating a blend of tactical discipline and motivational leadership that brought out the best in his players.
James Milner, who enjoyed significant success under Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool, has noted striking similarities between Hurzeler’s style and that of his former manager. Milner commented during an interview with Sky Sports, “I’m getting flashbacks,” highlighting the parallels between Hurzeler’s approach and Klopp’s well-respected methods.
“There’s a good mix of the previous manager [Roberto De Zerbi] who focused on build-up play, with a touch of Klopp’s style,” Milner explained. “The emphasis is on high intensity, counter-pressing, and quick reactions to turnovers. The new manager has stamped his own intensity on things, pushing us to be proactive both with and without the ball.”
Hurzeler’s tactics are reminiscent of Klopp’s gegenpressing, which emphasizes immediate pressure after losing possession to quickly regain control and surprise opponents.
Milner added, “Some of the sessions and tactical ideas are familiar, which is great. I’m well-versed in Klopp’s style and can help the team with defensive patterns. I’m comfortable with it and can assist in translating these ideas.”
He expressed enthusiasm for working with Hurzeler, noting, “I’m learning every day. Last year under Roberto was fantastic, but this is a fresh start with positive changes. I’m really impressed with the manager so far and excited about the work ahead.”
Brighton’s adaptation to Hurzeler’s methods might be facilitated by the familiarity with De Zerbi’s style. Having won all four of their pre-season friendlies, the team looks ready to make a strong start to their Premier League campaign, beginning with their match against Everton at Goodison Park on August 17.
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