Everyone’s talking about Hürzeler since the 3-0 win over Arsenal and his TalkSPORT interview. But all I keep thinking is: this man is 33.

He was only 31 when Brighton appointed him permanently, replacing Roberto De Zerbi and making him the youngest permanent manager in Premier League history.

So who exactly is Fabian Hürzeler?

His playing career never reached the top level. He featured in Germany’s lower divisions before stepping away from full-time football at 22 because it wasn’t financially sustainable. But instead of leaving football, he became a player-coach and later joined Germany’s youth setup.

In 2020, St. Pauli appointed him assistant coach. When the manager was dismissed, the club handed the job to the then-29-year-old Hürzeler.

He kept them up, then guided them to promotion with exciting football.

Just 18 months into senior management, Brighton came calling.

No superstar playing career. No shortcuts. Just ideas, courage and rapid progress.