Fabian Hurzeler’s Premier League Impact Revives Brighton’s European Dreams

When Fabian Hurzeler joined Brighton & Hove Albion ahead of his debut season in a European top-flight league, the manager wanted to “challenge the establishment,” and, true to his word, some of the Premier League’s leading clubs have suffered defeat as his Seagulls soar.

Brighton currently sits in sixth place in the standings and is well-positioned to qualify for Europe once more.

They are tied on points with Chelsea, who occupy third place, under the management of German Hurzeler, the youngest permanent head coach in Premier League history.

Brighton had their best-ever season in the 2022-23 campaign under Roberto De Zerbi, finishing sixth and developing an impressive style of football that earned them a spot in Europe for the first time. As a result, Hurzeler had significant shoes to fill.

But having led St Pauli back to the German top-flight last season after a 13-year absence, the Texas-born Hurzeler has made the step up look easy.

Hurzeler achievements so far in the Premier League

He began the season by winning the Premier League Manager of the Month award, thanks to an unbeaten run in August. His team achieved impressive victories against Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United, and even the reigning champions, Manchester City.

But Hurzeler was in no mood to celebrate despite his side coming back from a goal down and handing City boss Pep Guardiola a historic fourth straight defeat in all competitions for the first time in his managerial career.

“Unfortunately, a win over City only gives three points but we should be proud. The club should take the belief from this that they can beat everyone and compete with the establishment,” Hurzeler said.

Brighton has rarely got their recruitment wrong and Hurzeler has done well to build on the foundations laid by former managers Graham Potter and De Zerbi while experienced players have also played their part.

Hurzeler stamp in Brighton

Brighton’s top scorer this term, Danny Welbeck, and midfielder James Milner are older than Hurzeler but have bought into his philosophy, with Milner saying he had “flashbacks” to his former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp’s style of play.

“There is a good mix of the last manager (De Zerbi), who was build-up orientated, but maybe a bit of Klopp thrown in,” Milner, told Sky Sports in August.

“In terms of how we defend especially, the focus is on high intensity, counter-pressing, and quick reactions to turnovers. The manager has put his stamp and intensity on things, he wants us to play front foot with and without the ball.”

Welbeck, who will celebrate his 34th birthday next week, has rejuvenated his career under Hurzeler, scoring six league goals already this season matching his best tally while wearing a Brighton shirt. Additionally, an impressive 12 players have scored, marking a league-high.

Brazilian forward, Joao Pedro, has shown glimpses of his potential when fit with three goals in three starts, while 20-year-old Cameroon midfielder, Carlos Baleba, has eased the pain of losing Moises Caicedo to Chelsea.

“I think he (Baleba) can always be the best player on the pitch. Now I think it is important to bring consistency to his development,” Hurzeler said.

“It is still early this season and we have to build him and give him the environment where he can improve.”

Hurzeler has also been backed by the Brighton board after they spent about 194 million pounds ($244.93 million) to sign players like Georginio Rutter, Yankuba Minteh, Mats Wieffer, Ferdi Kadioglu and Matt O’Riley in the close season.

After successfully steering the club through a challenging series of fixtures, particularly against ‘Big Six’ rivals, Brighton now has the chance to rise further in the standings, as six of their next seven matches are against teams in the bottom half of the table.