Brighton’s Fabian Hurzeler Scripts History, Clinches First Win of New Premier League Season

Aged 31 years and 173 days, Hurzeler scripted history by becoming the youngest-ever full-time Premier League manager, as he took over the head role at Brighton after Roberto De Zerbi’s departure.

The German is the first manager to be born after the Premier League started in 1992 and is seven years younger than Brighton midfielder James Milner.

Despite his tender years in comparison to his Premier League peers, Hurzeler made a flying start as 10-man Everton were brushed aside at Goodison Park.

Goals from Kaoru Mitoma, Danny Welbeck and Simon Adingra fired Brighton to a 3-0 win, while Everton were hampered by Ashley Young’s red card.

Hurzeler also became the youngest head coach in the German second tier when he was hired by St Pauli aged 29 in December 2022.

He hauled the club away from the relegation zone and led them to promotion to the Bundesliga last season, catching the eye of Brighton owner Tony Bloom in the process.

Texas-born Hurzeler holds German, Swiss and American citizenship, but he already appears at home with the club from England’s south-coast.

“It was a good result, very intense. In some moments we suffered but after a time we tried to control the game, had good chances, then went 1-0 up,” Hurzeler said.

“In the end the clean sheet was important and we showed attitude and character.”

Hurzeler’s biggest issue was handling the disappointment of new signing Yankuba Minteh, who was causing Everton problems before a head injury forced him off in the first half against his wishes.

“He was disappointed but in the end we are disappointed for the player and can’t take any risks, the health of the player is more important and we were responsible for that,” the Seagulls boss said.

“We have to keep looking at him and how he reacts. I am confident he will be back next week. He had a great impact but I judge my offensive players on how they work off the ball.”

(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed – AFP)