Who Is Fabian Hürzeler?
Under Fabian Hürzelers coaching style, Brighton & Hove Albion have experienced a tactical transformation this season, thrilling fans and analysts with their intricate, dynamic play.
In this tactical analysis, we’ll examine their recent matches from the EPL season to further analyze their tactics and strategies.
Earlier this year, we analyzed Fabian Hürzelers tactics at FC St. Pauli.
The American coach has brought that same philosophy around fluidity in possession, seamlessly linking the build-up, midfield control, and attack to the Seagulls.
On the defensive side, Brighton are a very aggressive, pressing team with clever positioning; they constantly disrupt their opponents’ build-up patterns.
This analysis will highlight Fabian Hürzelers approach to helping Brighton thrive, combining tactical intelligence with a relentless work ethic to redefine modern football at the club.
Fabian Hürzeler Tactical Philosophy
Fabian Hürzeler’s possession-based style focuses on controlling the tempo through dynamic, verticality, and passing.
I try to convince my players by using the power of ideas. I want to value and improve every player & that’s my leadership style. Fabian Hürzeler.
Tactical flexibility is another cornerstone of Hürzeler’s philosophy.
Based on the opponents setup, Fabian Hürzelers style of play frequently adapts to various formations, such as shifting between a 4-2-4, 4-3-3, and a 4-1-4-1.
Whether pressing high or sitting in a deeper block, Hürzeler’s aim is always to maximise control and fluidity on the pitch.
Structural integrity awards territory, and efficacy with space wins games.
Fabian Hürzeler Build-Up Play
Brightons build-up play under Hürzeler begins with a fluid 4-2-4 structure that adjusts to the opposition’s pressing shape.
At times, their build-up shape transitions into a 4-3-3, with a single pivot and two players occupying the number 8 central roles, forming a compelling triangle to facilitate vertical passing.
With the wing-backs positioned so high and the two number 8s a few yards ahead of the pivot, it can resemble a 2-5-3 formation.
Hürzeler emphasises quick transitions from the back, with the full-backs pushing high to create wide overloads, ensuring smooth ball progression.
Brighton plays with the idea of extensive passing, trying to play vertical passes up the pitch to expand central areas rather than trying to work it out with the wing-back, which is the approach most teams use.
In the first image, we observe Brighton setting up in a 4-2-4 formation, focusing on utilising their wing-backs to stretch the opposition.
The right centre-back (RCB) is in possession, allowing the left wing-back to push high and wide.
This creates an overload on the right side, tilting
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