Fabian Hurzeler said he wanted to “go for big things and challenge the establishment” during his first press conference as Brighton manager.
The 31-year-old, who is the youngest permanent manager in Premier League history, has taken over at the Amex Stadium after guiding St Pauli to promotion to the Bundesliga last season.
The Texas-born German coach spoke of the magnitude of his move to the “best league in the world” and said he was willing to change his philosophy during his tenure.
Brighton’s opening league game away to Everton on August 17.
“I know it’s a very big project. It’s a big challenge and I think I need courage and ability so I have to stay humble,” Hurzeler said on Tuesday.
“My target, I want to discuss with my players, they have to be confident, they have to feel what they can achieve, that’s the most important thing for me.
“I want to achieve big things and I want to challenge the establishment.
“The Premier League is the best league in the world with many good coaches. You need your own philosophy and identity but it is important to take other elements and adapt.”
Hurzeler has replaced Roberto De Zerbi at Brighton, with the Italian stepping down at the end of last season after two successful seasons in the hotseat before taking over at French side Marseille.
De Zerbi helped Brighton secure their first European adventure with a sixth-placed finish in 2022-23, while also reaching the semi-finals of the FA Cup, and he led the Seagulls to the last 16 of the Europa League last season.
Hurzeler added: “Roberto De Zerbi had a great influence in the world of football with a different style of football. Of course I will take some elements (from him) but I have my own philosophy and you cannot copy anyone.
“I like the football he plays, he has courage with some interesting elements that I will also try and adapt to my philosophy.”
Brighton chairman Tony Bloom said the move to bring Hurzeler to the south coast club was not a gamble despite his limited experience as a head coach.
Bloom said: “The whole city should be very excited.
“I will not talk about it as a gamble at all. We look at everything, we put a lot of effort into the appointment of the head coach like any other club and we think Fabian is the best fit for the football club. The risk option is the least we have.”
Why Brighton have chosen Hurzeler
This probably isn’t the first time you’ve seen her age mentioned and it certainly won’t be the last. That would be expected considering the seven-year gap between Hurzeler and the next youngest manager in the league, Ipswich’s Kieran McKenna.
Hurzeler had never been in the first team until he took over at St Pauli in December 2022. With just 18 months of management under his belt, he may seem like a child in the game, but his coaching exploits began when he did. early 20s before retiring at 23.
Read William Bitibiri’s feature on Brighton’s new boss here.
‘One of Germany’s hottest coaches’
German Sky journalist Florian Plettenberg:
“Hurzeler is a former professional footballer and only started his managerial career a few years ago. I would say he is one of the hottest coaches in German football. Many German clubs are interested in him as well.
“On the road to promotion, St. Pauli played sensational football. Hurzeler is a good character and a good person. He is a bit like Julian Nagelsmann – both are very modern, very confident, very brave. Hurzeler likes to attack, he wants to have ball. He’s not a defensive coach.
“I can understand why Brighton continue to keep an eye on Hurzeler. He is very ambitious and of course, at 31, he is still young, but there is nothing to lose.
“He has a great relationship with the players, he’s a key figure despite his age, and he’s really accepted at the club with the fans.
“For Hurzeler, he has to ask himself what is the right step for him now, but from the way he organizes the team and the way he wants to play football, he could be the perfect solution and a very brave solution for Brighton at this stage.”