Hurzeler's rise from boos to Brighton's top-three push
Fabian Hurzeler has taken Brighton from a relegation fight to third in the Premier League, prompting talk of interest from bigger clubs and debate among supporters about whether he will stay.
Fabian Hurzeler's second season at Brighton has transformed his standing, with the Seagulls third in the Premier League after statement wins over Arsenal and Aston Villa, and speculation that Manchester United could be interested in the manager who became the youngest permanent boss in Premier League history when he took charge at 31.
The contrast with last season is stark. In February, a home defeat by Crystal Palace left Brighton 14th with one win in 12 league games, and Hurzeler was booed by his own supporters. Former Brighton striker Glenn Murray told BBC Sport that managers learn more about themselves and those around them while losing, adding that Hurzeler has come through that period and has the squad performing exceptionally.
Scott McCarthy, of the We Are Brighton fan site, recalled that supporters leaving the stadium after the Palace loss were saying the manager had to go, and that he looked out of ideas. McCarthy said the situation is now completely different and it has worked out phenomenally, crediting a return to basics and an experienced core before a side playing more in Hurzeler's pressing image.
Hurzeler's route to the Premier League was unusual. After injuries ended his playing career, he became player-manager at German fifth-tier club Pipinsried at 23, and worked for an art dealer to make ends meet. He later managed St Pauli, guiding them back to the Bundesliga after a 13-year absence, before joining Brighton in 2024.
Brighton have shown faith in Hurzeler with a new long-term contract before the end of last season and about £150m for summer signings. His first campaign included a 7-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest and criticism from Martin Keown on BBC's Final Score, who described him as wet behind the ears in September 2024.
Palace return to the Amex Stadium on Sunday, with the focus also on whether Brighton can keep hold of a manager whose rapid ascent has made him one of Europe's most talked-about young coaches.
Image: Getty Images / BBC Sport
