AliousIf Fabian Hürzeler ever questioned how much the FA Cup means to Brighton supporters, a subtle hint came his way during a visit to his hometown of Munich.
While enjoying a brief break with loved ones, the Brighton manager was approached by a fan strolling through the city. “One of the Brighton fans shouted my name and told me he’s really excited for the match,” Hürzeler recalled.
“He stressed that we need to put everything into it, and you can sense that passion, but I don’t want us to force the enthusiasm—it has to be genuine.”
Born well after Brighton’s 1983 FA Cup final defeat to Manchester United in a replay, Hürzeler might not be familiar with the club’s storied moments—like Steve Foster’s iconic headband, Tony Grealish’s rugged leadership, or Gordon Smith’s infamous miss.
Fortunately, club owner Tony Bloom and long-serving staff are there to fill him in. Brighton revisited that Wembley heartache two years ago, falling to United again in a penalty shootout during the semi-finals.
Still, the 32-year-old German coach keeps his focus on the present, learning fast from setbacks and showing adaptability in his short tenure.
This Saturday, Brighton take on Nottingham Forest, a team that humiliated them 7-0 earlier this season on February 1. Since that low point, Hürzeler’s squad has bounced back impressively, remaining unbeaten and sitting seventh in the Premier League—close to a Champions League spot—as they prepare for their next league match.
With an open FA Cup draw and only Manchester City left among the traditional powerhouses, the competition looks winnable for Brighton, one of four quarter-finalists yet to claim a major trophy.
Hürzeler emphasizes staying grounded: “We can’t overreact. It’s about knowing what makes us tick as a team. After the Nottingham loss, the players stepped up, took responsibility, and said, ‘We need to get back to basics.’ Unity is key—not just in the good times, but in the tough moments too.
We’ve shown that this season, especially after that defeat. The team spirit is there, and right now, belief is everything—I have total faith in this group.”
Nottingham Forest will miss their star striker Chris Wood, who tore Brighton apart with a hat-trick in that February rout, due to injury.
Hürzeler has high praise for Forest’s manager, Nuno Espírito Santo: “He’s created a team that wins consistently.
They’ve got quality players perfectly suited to his system—that’s a mark of his skill.” Unlike his predecessors Roberto De Zerbi, a bold tactical innovator, and Graham Potter, a calm and steady presence, Hürzeler brings a unique blend to Brighton’s well-regarded leadership setup.
Appointed in July, he spoke of shaking up the status quo, yet his approach has often been practical and measured, underpinned by a deep belief in psychology and mindset.
Drawing an unexpected parallel to rugby, Hürzeler referenced the All Blacks: “That big loss to Nottingham helped us grow. Now it’s about balance.
There’s a book about the All Blacks that talks about the ‘red head’—acting on emotion—and the ‘blue head’—staying calm and rational. If we’re too caught up in revenge or anger over that 7-0 defeat, we’re too emotional. We need to keep a clear head and make smart decisions.”
While some clubs, even high-flying Forest in third place with a shot at the Champions League, might prioritize one competition, Hürzeler says there’s no such directive from Bloom or CEO Paul Barber.
“We aim to maximize every competition and win every game—that’s our mindset. We don’t debate picking one over the other. It’s about rhythm, connection, and consistency, so I avoid heavy rotation in the lineup.”
In an era where the FA Cup’s shine has dimmed for some due to squad rotation, Hürzeler—formerly of St Pauli—offers a refreshing take.
Even if Brighton secure European football next season and fatigue becomes a factor, he believes it’s largely mental. “When players feel good, confident, and eager to play, their mindset drives them on the pitch. If they’re in that zone, they don’t feel the tiredness. That’s why I don’t like making too many changes.”
Alious
