Fabian Hurzeler, the Premier League's youngest ever permanent manager at 31, is preparing to lead Brighton against Manchester United at the Amex Stadium on Saturday. The German coach began his tenure with an impressive 3-0 win at Everton and now faces a Manchester United side that Brighton have beaten four times in their last five league meetings.
Hurzeler has drawn inspiration from fellow German coaches Jurgen Klopp and Thomas Tuchel, as well as Julian Nagelsmann, but insists he wants to build his own philosophy. He also admires Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta for transforming their teams into world-class sides. 'You can't copy any other philosophy,' he said. 'I want to bring my own ideas on the pitch.'
Despite Brighton's recent dominance over Manchester United, Hurzeler dismissed the significance of past results. 'It would be a little too much if I say we're the favourites against Manchester United,' he said. 'We should have respect and try to have the best preparation but we also have ambitions and should go into a game like this with self-confidence.'
Hurzeler acknowledged the individual quality in Erik ten Hag's squad, warning that United can decide a game in one situation. Brighton's only defeat in their last five league meetings with United came on the final day of last season, a 2-0 home loss under former boss Roberto De Zerbi.
