- Planet Sport writer
- 29 August 2024
Brighton's Matt O'Riley to undergo surgery on injured ankle
New Brighton signing Matt O'Riley will require surgery after sustaining a serious injury on his debut, manager Fabian Hurzeler has confirmed.
Hurzeler took his first coaching role in 2016 at FC Pipinsried where he won promotion from the Bayernliga Sud, while also taking on the role of Germany U20 and U18 assistant manager.
He guided St Pauli to promotion to the Bundesliga in the 2023/24 season before becoming Brighton's manager for the 2024/25 campaign at the age of just 31.
Early career
Hurzeler joined the Bayern Munich academy at the age of eleven and played for Germany at U15, U16, U17 and U19 level, but his playing career was restricted to the lower regions of the league with with Bayern Munich II, 1899 Hoffenheim II and 1860 Munich II.
He dropped down to the amateur level in 2016 to become player-coach of Bavarian side FC Pipinsried where he remained until 2020, while also taking on assistant manager roles with Germany U18s and U20s.
Success at St Pauli
Hurzeler joined FC St. Pauli in 2020 as an assistant coach to club legend Timo Schultz, whilst also playing for Eimsbutteler TV.
After four wins in 17 games at the beginning of the 2022/23 season Schultz was sacked and Hurzeler was made caretaker manager.
He led St. Pauli to 10 straight victories in his first 10 games in charge, during which he was given the job full-time, and dragged the club up and away from the Bundesliga 2 relegation and close to automatic promotion. The club finished fifth in the table.
In the 2023/24 campaign he turned the club into title contenders and St. Pauli won the league and achieved promotion to the Bundesliga with a game to spare.
Taking over at Brighton
On June 15, 2024, Brighton named Hurzeler as their new manager, replacing Roberto De Zerbi, who left at the end of last season.
Hurzeler agreed a deal through to 2027 to become the Premier League’s youngest-ever permanent head coach at the age of 31.
“From the start of the process to appoint our new head coach, Fabian was always a standout candidate and one who had caught our attention with his exceptional work at St Pauli over the past 18 months,” Brighton owner Tony Bloom said.
“He has a style of play that aligns with how we want a Brighton & Hove Albion team to play, and I’m confident it is one our supporters will appreciate and enjoy.
“Fabian also has an excellent coaching pedigree and has worked with the German federation at various age group levels. We are really excited to start working with Fabian to prepare for the upcoming season.”
“I am absolutely thrilled to be the new head coach of Brighton & Hove Albion,” Hurzeler said.
“After speaking to Tony, Paul (Barber) and David (Weir), it was clear that they are highly ambitious. The club has a unique history and bold vision for the future, so I am truly excited to be part of the project.
“The club has made incredible progress over the last few seasons and the aim is to continue building on that success.
“I am relishing the opportunity to coach in the Premier League, and I can’t wait to meet the players, staff and, of course, the fans.”
Hurzeler personal life
Born in Texas to a Swiss father and German mother, Hurzeler moved to Munich when he was two and holds German, Swiss, and American citizenship.
