Fabian Hürzeler
Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler is preparing his team for an upcoming clash against the formidable Manchester City, a match that underscores the evolving dynamics of set-pieces in the Premier League. Set to face the league’s modern-day masters of set-pieces, Hurzeler acknowledges the increasing significance of these plays while emphasizing the importance of maintaining Brighton’s identity.
Fabian Hurzeler said: “It’s getting more and more important, these set-pieces in the Premier League. We have to be ready but we are in progress and we are quite confident that we are able to defend the set-piece against them. At the moment it’s a big part, so you have to adjust, you have to adapt. I think it’s also important to not lose your identity. For what do you want to stand as a club? What are your profiles? What profiles do we have in your team? So always stick to this. But there are small adjustments, small adaptations you need to do. At the moment the trend is that a lot of teams play a long throw-in, a lot of teams focus on set-pieces. We need to be ready.”
Hurzeler’s comments reflect a strategic approach to the game, where he recognizes the necessity of adapting to the current trends without compromising the club’s core values. Brighton has recently capitalized on set-pieces, scoring from three corners and defending effectively in similar situations. The appointment of Yannick Euvrard as a specialist coach further signifies the club’s commitment to developing a “set-piece culture.”
Hurzeler added: “You can’t jump on a train you don’t identify with and I think that’s the main thing. If you don’t have a set-piece team, you won’t make a set-piece team out of it. If you are more a team who tries to control the ball, who tries to put their style of play with having possession, trying to find solutions against the high block, against the low block, then you have to stick to it. Long-term you have to be convinced by your identity.”
The manager’s perspective highlights a broader conversation within football about balancing short-term tactical adjustments with long-term strategic identity. While acknowledging the effectiveness of teams like Brentford in utilizing long throws, Hurzeler remains skeptical about their sustainability, suggesting that opponents will eventually adapt.
He continued: “The fact that we hired a set-piece coach and want to build a set-piece culture means that we take it very seriously. But you still have to stick to your style of play. Brighton is always known for getting young players with a lot of potential. How do you develop them? Do you develop them if you only play long throw-ins, corners and free kicks? I’m not sure. So you develop them and make them better if they have to find solutions in narrow spaces. If they have to find solutions in a low block, if you try to work with them in one-to-one training sessions, then you make them better and that’s the way at Brighton. So understand the new demands in the Premier League but think as well to your identity and that’s a fine balance.”
Hurzeler’s insights reveal a commitment to nurturing young talent and developing players who can adapt to various tactical demands while staying true to Brighton’s distinctive playing style. As the Premier League continues to evolve, Brighton’s approach under Hurzeler aims to strike a balance between innovation and tradition.
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