Brighton & Hove Albion have made a groundbreaking appointment by hiring Fabian Hurzeler, 31, as their new manager. Hurzeler, who led St Pauli to the Bundesliga 2 title last season, becomes the youngest ever full-time boss of a Premier League team. His success with St Pauli made him an attractive candidate to replace Roberto de Zerbi at Brighton.
The chairman of Brighton, Tony Bloom, praised Hurzeler’s work with St Pauli and stated that his style of play aligns with the club’s vision. Hurzeler’s contract runs until 2027, indicating a long-term commitment from both parties. The new manager will join Brighton once he obtains a work permit and will start working with the team during pre-season preparations in July.
This appointment makes Hurzeler younger than some of Brighton’s senior players, including James Milner, Danny Welbeck, and Lewis Dunk. His age and relative lack of experience may raise eyebrows, but Brighton is known for its willingness to think outside the box and challenge established Premier League clubs.
BBC Sport Chief football news reporter Simon Stone believes that Hurzeler is a good fit for Brighton. While there are always risks associated with managerial appointments, Stone believes that Hurzeler’s success and commitment to a similar style of play as his predecessors make him a promising choice. However, he also acknowledges that caution is necessary, as clubs like Southampton and Leicester have seen their fortunes decline after punching above their weight for extended periods.
German football journalist Raphael Honigstein views the appointment of Hurzeler as inspiring but also acknowledges the gamble involved. Honigstein praises Hurzeler’s success with St Pauli but notes that he only has one and a half years of coaching experience on his CV. Nevertheless, Hurzeler’s potential and passion for the game make him an exciting prospect for Brighton.
According to Bundesliga 2 expert Matthew Karagich, Brighton fans can expect a similar style of play under Hurzeler as they saw under De Zerbi. St Pauli is known for being a strong ball-playing team that emphasizes possession. They also use their pace to create opportunities and aim to dominate games. Karagich describes Hurzeler as a passionate coach who wants his team to not only beat their opponents but also destroy them.
Overall, Brighton’s appointment of Fabian Hurzeler as their new manager is a bold move that reflects the club’s ambition and willingness to take risks. While there are uncertainties surrounding his age and experience, Hurzeler’s success with St Pauli and his alignment with Brighton’s style of play make him an intriguing choice. Only time will tell if this gamble pays off for the Seagulls, but they have once again shown their commitment to challenging the Premier League’s established order.