TNT Sport Presenter Gives The Inside Track On Brighton’s New Boss Fabian Hurzeler

The sun sparkled on the waves as they crashed onto the pebbled shore of Brighton, setting the perfect scene at the Rockwater restaurant—a popular spot for both locals and visitors. It’s also a place where one of Brighton’s newest residents, Fabian Hurzeler, has already become a familiar face.

It was here that I sat down with the 31-year-old German manager for an interview with TNT Sports. Hurzeler arrived with a big smile, greeting the staff warmly by name, showing just how quickly he’s made Brighton his home.

Hurzeler’s transition to life at Brighton & Hove Albion has been just as smooth on the pitch. Club owner Tony Bloom has publicly praised his new manager, even suggesting that while Roberto De Zerbi was a success, Hurzeler has embraced the club’s philosophy more than the Italian ever did.

That seamless fit is evident in Brighton’s early season form. The Seagulls entered the first international break unbeaten in both league and cup competitions, including impressive Premier League results against heavyweights like Manchester United and Arsenal.

There were initial concerns among Brighton supporters about Hurzeler’s lack of top-flight experience. Having managed for only 18 months in Germany’s second division, many feared this season could be a bumpy ride. However, Hurzeler has quickly dispelled those doubts, surprising fans with how smoothly he’s taken to the Premier League.

It’s been a rapid rise for Hurzeler, who admitted that managing in England’s top league at this stage was beyond his expectations, though it was always his ultimate goal. He laughed off comparisons to “the new Jurgen Klopp” but acknowledged his admiration for Klopp, as well as for Thomas Tuchel and Pep Guardiola. Despite these influences, Hurzeler is keen on establishing his own unique style and approach.

Born in 1993, six months after the Premier League began, Hurzeler brings a refreshing vibrancy to his role. But don’t be fooled by his youth—he speaks with authority and is a sharp, articulate communicator. He balances his fresh perspective with the wisdom and experience of senior players like Lewis Dunk, James Milner, and Danny Welbeck, and has quickly earned their respect through a humble yet demanding approach.

Hurzeler’s training sessions are intense, but he hasn’t made any drastic changes to Brighton’s existing tactical setup. Instead, he has gradually introduced his ideas, making the transition smoother for the players. Before Brighton’s 2-1 victory over Manchester United, he emphasized the importance of personal growth for his players, saying, “I want my players to focus on improving as people every day.” For Hurzeler, this personal development translates directly to the football field: perfect the process, and the results will follow.

This mindset, combined with his forensic attention to detail, has already paid dividends. Hurzeler’s bold substitutions and risk-taking tactics have helped Brighton find early success, and the club’s strong start has quickly raised expectations. Fans are now dreaming of a return to European football for just the second time in the club’s history.

Brighton has backed Hurzeler significantly, investing nearly £200 million in the summer transfer window—making them the second-highest spenders globally during that period. With such strong financial support and a promising start, there’s a growing sense of optimism around the club.

While Brighton fans know better than to get too carried away, there’s no denying it’s an exciting time to be a Seagulls supporter. The club has long been praised for its savvy recruitment and ability to find hidden gems, and it looks like they’ve struck gold again—this time with their manager.

In just a short time, Fabian Hurzeler has shown he’s more than up to the challenge of managing in the Premier League, and Brighton’s future under his leadership looks brighter than ever.