Who is Fabian Hurzeler? - Could he be Brighton's next manager?

Brighton & Hove Albion has been one of the finest academies in world football. The English club have had the best footballers coming out of the academies and performing for the senior team and other clubs. The Seagulls finished 11th in the English Premier League table, failing for qualifying in the European competition next season. The club is currently in search of a new coach as Roberto de Zerbi has left the club. 

Ahead of the summer window to open, they have held talks with Malmo boss Henrik Rydstrom and St Pauli coach Fabian Hurzeler are among the contenders to be the next Brighton manager. The decision has not been finalised yet as they will be sealing any one of the two managers. Hurzeler is amongst the favourites to join the club in the upcoming season. The American manager's profile has been impressive. 

The 31-year-old manager has been one of the finest young managers. He earned St Pauli a promotion from 2. Bundesliga to the Bundesliga for the upcoming 2024/25 season. The Texas-born manager started his career playing alongside Antonio Rudiger, Marc Andre ter Stegen and Emre Can. 

What makes Hurzeler different from Roberto de Zerbi?

Hurzeler started his career in the amateur ranks of German football, joining FC Pipinsried in a joint player/head coach role. Then he also took on a job as an assistant manager in charge of the Germany U20s and Germany U18s. He was assisting Timo Schultz for the newly promoted club back in 2020.

He likes his St Pauli team to attack in a 2-3-5 or 2-4-4 formation. Central midfielders, particularly top scorer Marcel Hartel, while moving forward. The full-backs move to the No.6 midfield position. Johannes Eggestein moves into the No.10 position, while the wingers stay high and wide to stretch their opponents. Hurzeler and De Zerbi's playing styles differ significantly. The 4-2-3-1 formation was played by DeZerbi and on the other hand, the Americans played a 3-4-3 formation.