The Rise of Brighton's Humble Prodigy: Fabian Hurzeler, the Premier League's Youngest Boss Making Waves

LONDON – Despite leading Brighton & Hove Albion to a 3-0 victory over Everton in his Premier League managerial debut, Fabian Hurzeler emphasized the importance of staying humble. At just 35 years old, Hurzeler is the youngest manager in the league and is focused on continuing to work hard and stay grounded in his new role.

Aged 31 years and 173 days, he is the youngest permanent boss in Premier League history following his arrival from St Pauli to replace Roberto de Zerbi in the close-season.

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 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, while Everton were hampered by a red card to Ashley Young, who at 39 is the oldest player to be sent off in the Premier League.

“I’m very happy, it’s a good start but nothing more and it’s important to stay humble after this,” Hurzeler insisted.

“It’s a very good feeling but I don’t want to talk about myself, the players deserved this. They worked hard in pre-season and I’m very proud of them.”

Hurzeler 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,” he added of the match.

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

The Brighton boss’ 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 can’t take any risks, the health of the player is more important and we were responsible for that,” Hurzeler said.

“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.”

Former Seagulls manager de Zerbi, meanwhile, also had a good start as his new-look Marseille side won 5-1 at Brest in their opening game of the French Ligue 1 season.

Mason Greenwood scored twice on his debut – the former Manchester United forward struck inside three minutes and added another goal from the penalty spot on the half-hour after Luis Henrique had doubled the lead.

Henrique netted again after Mahdi Camara’s crunching effort pulled it back to 3-1 before half-time, with Greenwood also involved in both of the Brazilian’s goals.

Greenwood then won a second penalty after going down under a challenge from Jordan Amavi, but it was another of Marseille’s new signings Elye Wahi who tucked it away.

The 22-year-old Greenwood arrived in July from Old Trafford, where his career began in promising fashion before he was suspended in January 2022 following allegations of attempted rape and sexual assault.

Prosecutors dropped charges in February 2023 and he went on to spend last season on loan in Spain at Getafe.

But still, Marseille fans, including the city’s left-wing mayor Benoit Payan, have condemned the signing of Greenwood.

De Zerbi had a different view, saying: “Mason Greenwood is just exceptional. He’s an excellent player and you can see that. I’m happy to see him scoring so it will end all the controversy in the media.” AFP