Fabian Hürzeler has reportedly agreed a new Brighton contract, with the Seagulls planning around the 33-year-old after a sharp upturn in form.
Fabian Hürzeler reportedly agreed to sign. New contract at Brighton and Hove Albion, according to Florian Plettenberg.
Plettenburg writes that Brighton are “satisfied” and planning their future around the 33-year-old head coach.
Huge news, as Brighton’s upturn in form has suggested a new contract could be on the table. Prior to this break, Hürzeler’s contract was set to expire in 2027, with clubs like Bayer Leverkusen being interested in securing his services this summer.
A new contract suggests a big push on this summer, and potential backing in the transfer window.
Despite the recent turn in form, Albion have been subject to a strange season. Only a couple of months ago, Brighton lost to bitter rivals Crystal Palace, resulting in boos and chants of “sacked in the morning” directed at the head coach. At this point for most managers in the Premier League, it would seem to be that the writing is on the wall. However, since then, Albion have won 7 in their last 10 games, and are back contention for European football.
That is also saying something about the quality of the Premier League this season, and the tight nature of the division. Ultimately, many clubs around the mid table places could see themselves qualify for Europe before the end of the season.
Whilst it’s easy to talk about the good form, Albion have had some poor performances this season. Mixed with an abundance of inconsistencies and a huge sense of naivety in performances has suggested the decline in Brighton’s league standings. However, the form has bounced back in his favour, and the credit for that bounce-back ability and for powering through adversity is evident.
Brighton have a big end to the season. Games against Wolves, Leeds and Manchester United will seal their fate for whether they achieve European football or not next season. When zooming out from this last 6 weeks, the conversation over Hürzeler future would have been the polar opposite to what is being written at the moment, and whether that could prove to be a good or bad thing for the Seagulls remains to be seen. The jury is certainly out on the Albion head coach.
Brighton will hope to keep hold of their key players this summer, while building to truly test how far they can push themselves in the new season.
Hürzeler set to stay, and Brighton pushing for Europe. Will this decision be another masterclass from Tony Bloom, or could this feel like an oddly timed awarded contract?