Hurzeler: Brighton upset the establishment – now we must win something
Two years into his tenure at Brighton, 33-year-old manager Fabian Hurzeler is aiming to convert the club's domestic momentum into tangible trophies. The German coach has guided the Seagulls to back-to-back eighth-place Premier League finishes while securing victories over elite opponents such as Liverpool, Chelsea, and Manchester City.
Known for an energetic touchline demeanor that previously saw him earn seven bookings by February during his stint with St Pauli, Hurzeler has continued that combative streak in England by racking up suspensions, confronting Pep Guardiola, and voicing displeasure with Mikel Arteta's tactical approach at Arsenal.
Now preparing for only the second European venture in club history via the Conference League—a tournament won by rivals Crystal Palace last May—Hurzeler oversees the division's fourth-youngest roster following a major transfer window. Brighton signed 11 new recruits over the summer while sanctioning the exits of experienced figures Danny Welbeck, James Milner, Carlos Baleba, and Jan Paul van Hecke.
Hurzeler insists his own youth remains an asset in connecting with his refreshed side as they strive to handle a congested calendar without abandoning their proactive philosophy.
