Brighton's Youngest Boss: What It's Like Playing for Fabian Hurzeler
Fabian Hurzeler, at 31, is the youngest manager ever to take charge of a Premier League club, and his arrival at Brighton & Hove Albion has shaken things up. Even veteran goalkeeper Jason Steele, a seasoned campaigner of 16 seasons in English football, was taken aback by Hurzeler's commanding presence during his first meeting with the squad.
"After the first day I went home to my wife and said there is no way I am older than the boss," Steele chuckled. "To be able to capture the room and have that aura and charisma... he has definitely got that. The moment he took his first meeting it was, 'Wow, this guy is here and he is ready'. Everything about him screams boss and that is the biggest compliment I can give him â the respect we have had instantly for him."
Hurzeler's early weeks at the helm have revealed the qualities that will define his tenure in the top flight. He's made clear his ambition to challenge the established order, aiming to outperform clubs with larger resources, a strategy he employed successfully at St Pauli, leading them to the 2. Bundesliga title on a limited budget.
He believes a key to achieving this goal is fostering a sense of collective responsibility. Hurzeler has impressed the Brighton staff with his ability to remember names, even those working behind the scenes, and his efforts to connect with everyone at the club. His handwritten introductory letter to staff at the Amex Stadium, accompanied by a treat of cookies, and the subsequent Q&A session, were well-received.
On the pitch, Hurzeler prioritizes unity and positivity. During the pre-season tour of Japan, he urged his players to celebrate each other's successes, emphasizing that "you have to live it and thatâs what we need to be successful." This ethos extends to the coaching staff, with Hurzeler adopting a hands-on approach, often appearing more like a player than a manager in his tracksuited attire. His enthusiasm is infectious, with celebrations shared by the entire coaching team, including his fellow countrymen, Jonas Scheuermann and Marco Knoop, who have joined him at Brighton.
The only concern expressed internally is Hurzeler's relentless work ethic. He's a self-confessed workaholic, and his dedication to the game might require him to find a balance in the future. He cites Marcelo Bielsa and Roberto De Zerbi, former manager of Brighton, as managerial inspirations.
"I don't need one thing to relax, because what I do is not like work for me; itâs my passion," Hurzeler explained. "I love to work for the players, create new ideas and develop the process. If I get home and watch another football match itâs because I want to do it â I donât have to do it."
On the field, there's been a noticeable shift in Brighton's style under Hurzeler. While retaining De Zerbi's philosophy of building play from the back, Hurzeler has introduced his own tactical nuances. There's an emphasis on clean sheets and a more direct approach in attack, with a greater focus on intensity and regaining possession quickly.
Hurzeler's training sessions are renowned for their intensity, designed to ensure his squad is physically and mentally prepared to execute his game plan. The focus is not solely on physical exertion, with detailed debriefing sessions following each training session. Hurzeler's dedication to the finer details is evident in even the most playful training drills.
While his youthfulness makes him the youngest of the new Premier League managers, his experience in the game belies his age. He began his coaching career at 23, leading FC Pipinsried in Germany's fifth tier. Tony Bloom, Brighton's owner-chairman, believes that Hurzeler's appointment is anything but a gamble.
"I wouldn't talk about it as a gamble at all. We look at everything; we put a lot of effort into the appointment of any head coach, like other clubs do," Bloom stated. "We think Fabian is the best fit for the football club. Heâs the least-risk option we had."
Hurzeler's reign at Brighton is just beginning, and his impact on the club will be measured by his success on the pitch. He's brought a fresh perspective and a renewed sense of purpose to the Seagulls, and the Premier League is sure to be intrigued by the potential of this young, ambitious manager.
