Hurzeler on his age, choosing Brighton and not copying De Zerbi
- Published
New Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler has been speaking to the media for the first time since his appointment as Roberto de Zerbi's successor.
Here are the main lines from his news conference:
On becoming the youngest permanent head coach in Premier League history: "My age is a big topic. I am a young man but I am not a young coach. I call myself the friendly authority. Football is my passion. I try to convince my players using the power of ideas."
On why he quit as a player at the age of 22: "I was honest with myself about being a player. I wouldn't get to the level of Brighton, for example. I thought why not start to become a coach."
On joining Brighton: "I really like the DNA - it is a very analytical, data-based approach. I like the style, playing with courage. I know they have achieved big things. It is an honour to be part of it."
More on working with the Albion squad: "I am really excited. We have young players with big potential, and older ones who have achieved a lot of things."
On not copying De Zerbi: "Roberto de Zerbi had a huge impact on the whole football world. But I have my own philosophy. Roberto's team played with a lot of courage in ball possession, but you can't copy anyone."
On German role models: "All the German coaches are role models for the young coaches. There are ideas from [Thomas] Tuchel on ball possession, [Jurgen] Klopp on intensity. It is a mixture. Against the ball and with the ball you have a plan. These coaches help the young coaches a lot. We hope to be like that one day."