Fabian Hürzeler
Diego Coppola, the summer signing from Hellas Verona, has begun his journey in English football with Brighton & Hove Albion, making appearances against Barnsley and Tottenham Hotspur. Coppola, who is keen to establish himself in the Premier League, has shown versatility in his initial outings, adapting to different defensive formations as required by the team.
Fabian Hurzeler said: “It’s for sure a possibility, and I think when we look at the game, in the end of course we conceded a goal, but it was a very unlucky goal. I didn’t see that Tottenham created a lot when we had the three centre-backs on the pitch. I thought they did it really good when Diego went in. We have more chances to win trophies.”
Diego Coppola said: “I was on the right side (of the three) trying to limit Xavi Simons when he came on. You could see his quality. The gaffer wanted to defend the result and also I think I can help the team on set-pieces. There were a lot of crosses and they were attacking while we were winning. He put me on to defend the result. Unfortunately we didn’t do it because we conceded, which I think was unlucky. But even after that we had a good reaction.”
Coppola added: “I see the intensity is high, the quality is high. The demand is high and it is nice to play. I had a little more taste after the game with Tottenham and I just can’t wait to play. To play more, to help the team and to win games. In Italy, we say winning helps winning.”
Coppola’s transition to English football has been marked by his adaptability to different defensive setups. At Barnsley, he started in a back four that occasionally shifted to a back three, while against Spurs, he was introduced late in the game to bolster the defense. This flexibility is crucial as Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler considers tactical shifts during matches, moving between back three and back four formations as needed.
The competition for centre-back positions at Brighton remains fierce, with Lewis Dunk and Jan Paul van Hecke currently the preferred choices. However, Coppola and Olivier Boscagli are pushing for places, adding depth and options to the defensive lineup. Coppola’s experience in playing a back three in Italy could be an asset for Brighton as they navigate the Premier League season.
Brighton’s only league victory this season came shortly after a commanding 6-0 win against Oxford United in the Carabao Cup, highlighting the team’s potential when firing on all cylinders. Coppola is eager to contribute to more successes, embracing the challenges and high demands of English football.
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