Brighton and Hove Albion star Pascal Groß has admitted he finds it remarkable how Fabian Hürzeler is succeeding in the Premier League at his age.
Hürzeler is currently the man of the moment after leading Brighton to third after eight games in the Premier League this season.
He arrived at the club in 2024 to replace Roberto de Zerbi. At 31-years-old at the time, he was the youngster Premier League manager in the league’s history.
His first at the club proved to be a successful one as he led them to eighth in the Premier League and narrowly missed out on European football. Last season he improved upon that, finishing eighth again but successfully delivering European football.
The campaign was a rollercoaster of form, with fans growing frustrated during a winter stretch that saw them win just two games in 15. A dramatic late resurgence, six wins in eight, saw them shoot back up the table.
Now they’re impressing everyone in the early months of this season and Groß admits he’s astounded by a manager who is younger than he.
“I find it remarkable that someone so young can step into the Premier League as a manager and be this successful,” he told Sky Germany.
“For that, you need not only outstanding expertise but also character, personality, and humanity. And I believe Fabian brings a very compelling overall package to the table. The principles he instils in us make it easier for us to play football. He does that really, really well.”
Perfect blend
He believes that the ‘blend’ which Hürzeler offers as a coach sets him aside from the rest of the pack.
“It’s the blend, above all else,” he added.
“He’s a young coach who promotes a modern style of play, yet he also imparts traditional values—things that are simply essential: the basics, the mentality, the fighting spirit.
“Add to that his personality and the way he treats people, and you have a top-tier combination of modern football and “old-school” values.”
Best in Premier League
For some, the young manager is already one of the best in the Premier League. Indeed, his rising status has seen him linked with the Manchester United job in recent weeks.
Groß certainly has no problem giving the Brighton boss that kind of status. But he can also see him getting much better too.
“I do believe he is one of the best managers in the league,” he concluded.
“The consistency alone is remarkable. To come here at his age, finish eighth twice, and keep developing the team—even as key players frequently leave the club—is truly extraordinary. And the way he goes about it is particularly impressive.
“Yes, I can see it firsthand. I’m witnessing his development, and I genuinely believe he’s continuing to improve. It’s truly impressive.”
