He also learned under Roberto de Zerbi at Brighton, taking over just months later when Kieran McKenna—widely linked with the vacancy—decided to remain with newly promoted Ipswich.
Although Brighton has secured back-to-back eighth-place finishes under his leadership, Hurzeler’s tenure has not been without challenges.
Last season, some supporters called for his dismissal. Brighton also suffered a 7-0 thrashing at Nottingham Forest during his debut campaign, and former Arsenal and England defender Martin Keown dismissed Hurzeler as “wet behind the ears” on BBC’s Final Score after a 4-2 loss at Chelsea in September 2024.
What explains the turnaround after even his own supporters turned against him?
“Part of it is that Hurzeler returned to the fundamentals,” says McCarthy.
“He leaned on an experienced core to steady the ship, which speaks to his pragmatism. Some managers cling rigidly to a philosophy and refuse to adapt.”
“Hurzeler recognized that his approach was failing and risked his position, so he changed course. Today, the side increasingly reflects his vision, pressing with relentless intensity.”
Will Hurzeler depart Brighton if another club comes calling, or remain to cement his legacy by guiding the Seagulls into the Champions League?
“I don’t think he will leave,” McCarthy says.
“The money would obviously be tempting, but he is highly intelligent. He did not become a Premier League manager at 31 without sound judgment.”
“Would he want to move elsewhere without being given time? His experience at Brighton suggests he needs two and a half years to build a squad properly.”
Back in Pipinsried, Hurzeler remains highly respected, and he has not forgotten where his coaching journey began.
“Yes, he likes to return every now and then to check that everything is in order,” said Sepp Ankner, the club’s chief finance officer, in an interview with The Athletic in 2024.
“When he visits, he speaks with everyone. He has maintained his connection to Pipinsried.”
Yet his rapid rise suggests that grander opportunities may not be far away for one of European football’s most sought-after managerial prospects.
