Football fans actively following their favorite teams usually notice how much a team can change under a different manager. Among the notable names is Fabian Hürzeler, who has been gaining attention for his work at Brighton and Hove Albion. His management style and tactics are intriguing to analyze.
By digging deep into how Hürzeler thinks whenever he applies a tactic for the team, supporters can get a clearer view of Brighton's performance in every phase of the game. This can be important, especially for fans supporting Brighton by betting on Sportingbet UK sites. Let's discuss more about Fabian Hürzeler and how his tactics affect the team.
Fabian Hürzeler Bio
Fabian Hürzeler started his journey with Brighton & Hove Albion on 15 June 2024. He became the youngest head coach ever appointed in the Premier League, as he took the title when he was just 30 years old. He replaced Roberto De Zerbi once the 2023/24 season was over. Hürzeler then joined Brighton after showcasing outstanding skill in his time with German Club St. Pauli, whom he had guided to the Bundesliga for the first time since 2010/11.Hürzeler started as an aspiring defensive midfielder in Bayern Munich's reserve team, then decided to move into coaching when he was 23. His first managerial duty was at FC Pipinsried. Hürzeler was then named assistant coach at St. Pauli and replaced Timo Schultz two years later. This leads to him earning the title of German football's second tier second-youngest-ever head coach.
As soon as Hürzeler took charge, he won ten of his first league matches and helped St. Pauli reclaim their place from the threat of relegation to finish fifth in 2022/23. St. Pauli became unbeaten in their opening 20 Bundesliga 2 matches last season, building a foundation for the club's promotion to the top as champions after 13 years of absence.
Tactical Approach
Only three of the first 15 matches Hürzeler led were lost. Hürzeler had a powerful start, not to mention he had faced the traditional Big Six clubs in the Premier League. So, what did he do and continue to do when leading Brighton? Here are the common tactics that Hürzeler tends to use to lead Brighton to a greater prospect.Implementing A Strong Work Ethic
Hürzeler brought a significant change of energy to Brighton, and it seems like the first thing the young coach did was install a strong work ethic in the team. So far, Ipswich Town is the only team in the Premier League that has covered more distance per 90 minutes than Brighton, which has an average of 112.1 km per game.The intensity of the team's runs is one of the most significant differences that are easy to spot when compared to Brighton's time under De Zerbi in 2023/24. Brighton can perform at a higher tempo, averaging 152.4 sprints per game. Under Hürzeler's management, Brighton is now placed 6th overall, much higher than their last term's 18th spot, where they were still making 123.1 sprints per game.
Another change that Hürzeler has implemented is a combative man-to-man pressing approach. This tactic allows the Seagulls to excel in forcing opposing teams backward rather than allowing them to build play.
1-4-2-2-2 Formation for Goal Kicks
Hürzeler uses the 1-4-2-2-2 formation for goal kicks. In this formation, the two dropping strikers attract the opposition players and open up space behind for the wingers to exploit.Then, the 2-striker,2-winger structure will force the opposition center-backs to make difficult decisions. If they decide to mark the dropping strikers, it'll create space for the wingers. If they don't, it gives Brighton advantages in midfield. De Zerbi popularized this structure, and Hürzeler uses this tactic well.
With this structure, Brighton's center-backs and goalkeeper can use third-man combinations while the holding midfielders beat the first press. It also gives a way for a fast, long ball toward the opposing attackers.
Less Fixation on Possession
During De Zerbi's management, it's clear that the coach wanted to exert complete control over the team's distribution. Meanwhile, Hürzeler focuses more on distribution efficiency.Brighton had a very possession-dominant approach under De Zerbi, averaging 60.2% possession and 19 sequences of over 10 passes per 90 minutes. The number dropped when Hürzeler stepped in, with a 52.7% possession percentage, while their long passing sequences averaged 10.7 per 90 minutes.
This way, the team shows a faster and more direct approach, as Hürzeler seemingly is more interested in attacking speed. This preference differs significantly from De Zerbi's play style, which leans more towards sustained possession and patient plays. This is also the reason there are fewer successful passes per 90 minutes (from 551.2 to 404.9) and pass completion.
It doesn't mean Hürzeler doesn't pay attention to possession; he wanted to have more possession than the opposing teams. However, he is less fixated on maintaining prolonged periods of possession. He's more content to play on the counter-attack and transition when possible.