Why Brighton Hit the Jackpot with Their Unexpected Appointment of Fabian Hurzeler

On June 15, 2024, Brighton and Hove Albion made a bold move that defied the usual approach of hiring a high-profile manager, opting instead to appoint Fabian Hurzeler, a mere 31 years of age, as the new leader of the Seagulls, heralding a fresh era.

Though Hurzeler garnered attention in Germany by guiding St Pauli back to the Bundesliga after a 13-year hiatus, he was relatively unknown in England.

As the youngest manager in Premier League history, his move to England during St Pauli’s greatest achievement and his lack of experience in top-flight management anywhere made it clear that the spotlight would be firmly on Amex Stadium for the 2024/25 season.

Has Tony Bloom taken on too much?

Brighton’s owner, Tony Bloom, has previously demonstrated his shrewdness in selecting managers, having appointed Graham Potter and De Zerbi successfully. However, one could be forgiven for questioning if he might have bitten off more than he could chew with Hurzeler’s appointment.

Not that the new manager was fazed by the weight of expectation.

“My age is often discussed. Although I am young, I consider myself an experienced coach. I think of myself as a friendly authority. Football is my passion, and I aim to persuade my players with the strength of my ideas,” he asserted during his inaugural press conference ahead of the current season.

“I’m truly enthusiastic about Brighton’s ethos—it embraces a data-driven, analytical approach. I admire their fearless style of play. They’ve accomplished great things, and it’s a privilege to join them.”

“I’m really looking forward to this opportunity. We have a mix of young talents with immense potential and experienced players who have achieved many things.”

Brighton’s future looks bright despite diminishing European hopes

As the current Premier League season nears its conclusion, Brighton sits in ninth place with 51 points.

Last season, under the Italian manager, they finished 11th with 48 points, so Hurzeler has already surpassed his predecessor’s points tally, who was praised for the style of his team’s play.

The Seagulls have scored 56 goals this season, outpacing their total from the 2023/24 campaign by one goal, with four matches left to play in the current term.

With European football appearing out of reach for next season, this might impact the calibre of players that Hurzeler and the Brighton hierarchy can attract. However, on the upside, it offers the manager and his squad a chance to develop without the intense scrutiny of the global media.

Brighton supporters who might feel disappointed with the season’s trajectory would do well to reflect on the previous years for a broader perspective.

Hurzeler’s tenure already outshines De Zerbi and Potter in key metrics

In his 34 top-flight matches so far, Hurzeler has secured 13 victories, just one shy of De Zerbi’s first-season tally (2022/23) and one more than his follow-up season.

Surprisingly, Hurzeler’s league performance already surpasses any of Graham Potter’s three years on the south coast.

The current West Ham boss only notched nine wins in both his first two years and 12 in his last before his move to Chelsea, leading to Hurzeler’s 38.2% win rate eclipsing Potter’s 23.7% (in two seasons) and 31.6%.

With nine defeats this season, Hurzeler’s record surpasses De Zerbi’s total of 11 and 14 losses, as well as Potter’s 15, 15, and 11 during his time at the club. Hurzeler’s 12 draws match De Zerbi’s from last season and just fall short of Potter’s 14 (twice) and 11.

Impressively, Hurzeler has triumphed in both of his matches this season against Manchester United and drawn both encounters against Arsenal.

The only club to have defeated Brighton twice this season is Crystal Palace under Oliver Glasner, although the reigning champions Liverpool could join that unique club if they win their face-off on May 19.

Brighton’s style fosters enduring positive perceptions

The only side De Zerbi managed to beat consistently on both occasions was Southampton, while Potter’s team boasted a perfect record only against Brentford.

Both previous managers laid the groundwork for the suggestion that the club was on the rise, but it was largely the narrative surrounding Brighton that fuelled this perception.

Brighton displayed flashes of brilliant and entertaining play under De Zerbi and Potter, which is undeniable. However, the perceived performances were often at odds with the results on the board.

Hurzeler has outperformed both predecessors in nearly all metrics while preserving a visually appealing style of play.

Moreover, he remains committed to his principles in the chase for success in the Premier League, which is perhaps the greatest praise that can be given to the 32-year-old.

The squad has responded positively to Hurzeler’s methodology

It would have been easy for him to depart from his hallmark style upon entering a new league and country.

Yet, with commendable resolve, he has adhered to the methodologies that earned him the Brighton role in the first place, and his squad has responded admirably.

His transfer strategies have been astute and well-considered, with signings like Georginio Rutter and Yankuba Minteh proving to be particularly successful.

With both the manager and the club expressing satisfaction with how their partnership has unfolded in this inaugural season, a promising future seems inevitable for both Hurzeler and Brighton.

Tony Bloom’s vision may very well serve as a template for other clubs to emulate in the years to come.