Hürzeler's stats rival De Zerbi's early wins, but stylistic clashes and fan discontent fuel speculation about a German return.
Brighton boss Fabian Hürzeler has been heavily linked with a move back to Germany, with Bayer Leverkusen linked with the former St Pauli head coach. Hürzeler is believed to have a release clause in his contract, valued at around €15 million, valid until 2027.
Will he stay or will he go?
It hasn't been plain sailing for Hürzeler since arriving on the South Coast. Winning over the fanbase has proved very difficult, with many fans even chanting against him after the Seagulls lost to their bitter rivals Crystal Palace at the Amex in February.
The issues have stemmed from an inner discontent towards the belief that the manager hasn't achieved the most out of the hefty £200 million+ investment from Tony Bloom in recent transfer windows. Players like Mats Wieffer being shifted to right-back, and game management costing valuable points on many occasions, have led to question marks over whether he is the right man to get Brighton back into European competition.
When compared with his famous predecessor...
After their first 50 games, Hürzeler and Roberto De Zerbi had the same 21 wins, but the German edged the total points tally, with an impressive 80, compared to De Zerbi's 76.
Hürzeler has a better defensive record, with 72 goals conceded in 49 games, compared to 84 under De Zerbi in the same timeframe.
De Zerbi's style was more productive in front of goal, with a whopping 111 goals, compared to Hürzeler's 93 goals. Fine margins remain!
The overwhelming negativity seems to stem from the style and player-by-player progression. De Zerbi dominated this, helping raise an abundance of players like Solly March, Jason Steele, Levi Colwill, Pervis Estupiñan, amongst many others.
The Italian took to the fans, with connections and fan chants from the beginning. Largely linked to the departure of Graham Potter, who left in circumstances that bitterly angered the Albion faithful.
Is it time to change?
Overall, it'd be hard to begrudge Hürzeler for leaving. His style of high-intensity pressing may be more effective in the Bundesliga, especially in an aggressive Leverkusen side. Brighton's usual style of players doesn't typically suit the intense style, despite players like Yankuba Minteh who can prove to be incredibly effective in doing so.
The Premier League, especially while De Zerbi and Potter were in charge, heavily leaned towards possession and utilising the ball well. Far less emphasis on 50/50 duals, and 'second balls', stylistically, a mismatch. Some fans may also prefer one way or the other!
A move could suit the head coach, and a chance for him to win over a fanbase, which he has largely struggled to do down on the English south coast. Although that moment against Liverpool at full-time could well be a nice, timely turning-point!