Brighton & Hove Albion Appoints Youngest Manager Hurzeler

Brighton & Hove Albion has named Fabian Hurzeler, 31, as their manager, making him the youngest ever full-time boss in the Premier League. Hurzeler led St Pauli to the Bundesliga 2 title last season with 20 wins out of 34 matches and has signed a contract extending until 2027. He will officially take over once he secures a work permit, in time for Brighton’s pre-season preparations in July. Brighton chairman Tony Bloom cited Hurzeler’s achievements with St Pauli as a key factor in his appointment, labeling him a “standout candidate” to succeed Roberto de Zerbi, who departed at the season’s end.

Bloom expressed confidence that Hurzeler’s playing style aligns with Brighton’s vision and will be appreciated by the fans.  At 31, Hurzeler surpasses Ryan Mason, who was 29 when he briefly managed Tottenham in 2021, as the youngest coach to lead a Premier League team full-time since the league’s inception in 1992. Hurzeler is younger than several of Brighton’s senior players, including James Milner (38), Danny Welbeck (33) and Lewis Dunk (32). The new manager shared his enthusiasm for joining a “highly ambitious” club with a unique history and bold future vision.

First-team coach Andrew Crofts and goalkeeping coach Jack Stern will retain their roles with additional backroom staff to be announced soon.

Other Youngest Premier League Managers

– Ryan Mason, Tottenham, 2021 – 29 years, 312 days (interim)
– Attilio Lombardo, Crystal Palace, 1998 – 32 years, 67 days (interim)
– Chris Coleman, Fulham, 2003 – 32 years, 313 days
– Gianluca Vialli, Chelsea, 1998 – 33 years, 227 days (initially player-manager)
– Andre Villas-Boas, Chelsea, 2011 – 33 years, 301 days

Hurzeler a ‘Good Fit’ for Brighton & Hove Albion

Simon Stone, BBC Sport’s Chief Football News Reporter describes Brighton as a club known for innovative decisions, and he believes Hurzeler’s appointment fits this narrative. Despite Hurzeler’s limited managerial experience, his success and style at St Pauli align with the philosophy of previous managers De Zerbi and Graham Potter.

Stone acknowledges the risks involved but compares Brighton’s model favorably to other clubs like Southampton and Leicester, which experienced declines after initial successes. The upcoming fixture announcement will reveal Hurzeler’s first opponents as a Premier League manager, and a favorable start could validate his appointment as another smart move by the club.

‘Exciting… Also a Gamble’

German football journalist Raphael Honigstein regards Hurzeler as an inspiring yet risky choice due to his brief coaching history. Hurzeler transitioned from playing to coaching at 23, having managed Germany’s Under-20 and Under-18 teams before assisting and then managing St Pauli from December 2022. Despite significant offers, Hurzeler extended his contract with St Pauli in March, but Brighton’s offer was compelling enough for him to move.

Hurzeler’s Style of Play

Matthew Karagich, a Bundesliga 2 expert notes that Brighton fans can expect a similar style to what they saw under De Zerbi. Hurzeler’s St Pauli was known for strong ball possession using pace to exploit defenses and maintaining control of the game. He emphasized a flexible and dominant approach, aiming not just to win but to overwhelm opponents. Hurzeler’s passionate demeanor on the touchline reflects this aggressive and controlling philosophy.