Interviews

Hurzeler: We’ll try to dominate the ball

Albion’s new head coach says keeping possession is a cornerstone of his coaching DNA.

By Bruce Talbot • 19 June 2024

By FC St. Pauli
The German took over St. Pauli in December 2022, guiding them to promotion in the 2023/24 campaign.

Fabian Hurzeler says Albion fans can look forward to seeing their team try to dominate the ball and control games.

The 31-year-old German became our new head coach when he was appointed on Saturday on a three-year contract.

He believes his footballing education at Bayern Munich where “it’s in their DNA to keep possession” fired his own coaching philosophy, which came to fruition last season when he led St. Pauli back to the Bundesliga in his first full season in charge.

By FC St. Pauli
Fabian Hurzeler guided St. Pauli to the 2.Bundesliga title last season.

“I played most of my career for Bayern Munich, it’s in their DNA to keep possession and be dominant with the ball and to try and control the game like that,” he said.

“But you also need to play with intensity, to counter-press strongly and be balanced in every phase of the game.

“Brighton have become a team like that, they dominate possession and use the ball well.”

By FC St. Pauli
Fabian represented Germany at under-19 level.

Hurzeler is an admirer of his predecessor Roberto De Zerbi but has shaped his own coaching credo. He worked in the German FA’s age group team as well as coaching fifth-tier club FC Pipinsried in the country’s fifth tier after accepting, at the age of 24, that he would not become an elite level player following spells with Bayern Munich, Hoffenheim and 1860 Munich.

“In terms of other coaches I am always interested in how they look at football tactically and you can take elements from someone else’s philosophy to add to yours, but I have my own personality and philosophy based on my own principles. I have my own targets and aims like any coach.

“Football is my passion and I am delighted to have this opportunity with Brighton.”