⚽Fabian Hürzeler

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1. ⚽Fabian Hürzeler

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⚽Fabian Hürzeler

Career

Fabian Hürzeler has experienced a rapid rise as a coach. After joining FC St. Pauli as an assistant coach in 2020, he took over as head coach in January 2023 at the young age of just 29. Under his leadership, St. Pauli not only went on an impressive winning streak but also capped off the season with promotion to the Bundesliga. Thanks to his modern football philosophy and tactical brilliance, Hürzeler is regarded as one of the most promising coaching talents in German football.

You can find more about his career here.

Second-Youngest Manager in Premier League History

With Fabian Hürzeler, Brighton & Hove Albion have appointed the second-youngest manager in Premier League history. However, for the 31-year-old German, age is of little significance. "I am a young man, but I am not a young coach," he states confidently.

His decision to join Brighton was far from random. The club is renowned for its data-driven, analytical approach—an approach that perfectly aligns with Hürzeler’s own football philosophy. "Brighton works intensively with data and analysis. I find this methodological depth fascinating," Hürzeler explains. But it's not just the world of numbers that excites him. Brighton’s bold style of play matches his personal credo: intensity and courage.

Intensity and Courage – The Pillars of Hürzeler’s Football

For Hürzeler, intensity and courage are the core values he embodies as a coach. He demands a strong physical presence from his players and is not afraid to take risks in building up play. "We want to play bold football," he emphasizes time and again. Despite his young age, he has a clear vision of how he wants to lead his team. When dealing with players older than himself, he follows a distinct philosophy: "I call myself the friendly authority." By this, he means that he strikes the perfect balance between closeness and authority. His players not only respect him as a coach but also appreciate his interpersonal skills.

Hürzeler’s Style of Play: German Intensity Meets De Zerbi’s Legacy

Hürzeler brings a refreshing blend of German precision and Italian flair, refined under his predecessor Roberto De Zerbi. While he has adopted many of De Zerbi’s tactical principles, there are notable differences. One key distinction is that Hürzeler tends to deploy a single defensive midfielder in "Zone 1," whereas De Zerbi often utilized two. This shift makes Brighton's play more direct. They still maintain high possession and composure on the ball, but transitions into the attacking third are quicker and more decisive.

Another tactical element Hürzeler has introduced is flexibility in "Zone 2." In this area, both full-backs often move centrally to create space on the wings. This leads to 1v1 situations on the flanks, allowing Brighton to transition into an attacking 2-3-5 system. Simultaneously, the more common 3-2-5 formation has also been seen at Brighton, a setup now widely adopted by top modern football teams. What's interesting is that Hürzeler adjusts the formation in "Zone 2" based on the flow of the game, showcasing tactical flexibility. This adaptability allows Brighton to react to different situations and find the optimal use of space at all times.

Defensive Variability

Hürzeler has also made several adjustments in defense. While De Zerbi’s teams often employed aggressive pressing, Brighton’s pressing under Hürzeler appears somewhat more restrained. Against top teams like Arsenal, he tends to favor a midfield pressing approach, which is less risky. However, in games against weaker opponents, such as their recent match against Ipswich Town, Brighton continues to press earlier. Overall, Hürzeler’s pressing strategy seems to be more tactically cautious.

In their base formation, Brighton defends in a compact 4-4-2, as they did under De Zerbi. However, Hürzeler’s flexibility is evident here as well: against Arsenal, the team frequently switched to a five-man defense, transitioning into a 5-3-2 system. These adjustments provide additional defensive stability without compromising the build-up play.

Much to Learn – But with a Clear Vision

In the coming weeks and months, Hürzeler’s football philosophy will become increasingly evident in the performances of Brighton & Hove Albion. It is entirely normal for the young coach to need some time to fully implement his tactical ideas. One must remember that the Premier League is new territory for him, and he must adapt not only to the high level of the league but also to its specific dynamics and demands.

It will be fascinating to see how he tackles this challenge and gradually develops his team. The adjustments Hürzeler makes will be crucial in determining how his team performs on the pitch in the near future. However, one can be confident that under his leadership, Brighton will continue to play bold, attractive football—marked by intensity, tactical flexibility, and a clear focus on game control.

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