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Brighton & Hove Albion manager Fabian Hürzeler has made a direct appeal to club chairman Tony Bloom, stressing the need for greater physicality in his squad as the Seagulls prepare for the 2025/26 season. With two games remaining in the current campaign, Hürzeler reflected on a season of adaptation and highlighted athleticism as a key area for improvement.
Speaking during a candid conversation with former Brighton managers Micky Adams and Mark McGhee, Hürzeler outlined his vision moving forward. “I already told the owner – we need more physicality. The Premier League is incredibly intense and physically demanding. It’s an area where we must evolve if we want to compete consistently.”
Brighton, currently ninth in the table, face Premier League champions Liverpool at the Amex Stadium on Monday before ending their season away to Europa League finalists Tottenham Hotspur. Despite flashes of promise, the squad has struggled with injuries and consistency, especially in defence.
Brighton made a bold investment last summer, splashing out over £200 million to bring in Georginio Rutter, Yankuba Minteh, Matt O’Riley, Mats Wieffer, Brajan Gruda, and Ferdi Kadioglu. However, most have endured stop-start seasons due to injuries and the intensity of English football. Only Rutter and Minteh have fully adapted so far, according to Hürzeler.
The German tactician remains wary of major squad upheaval, preferring steady growth over wholesale change. “I don’t believe in too much rotation. Most of our new signings need more time – they arrived with injuries or struggled to cope with the pace and culture. I believe next season they will make that leap.”
In line with his call for more robust options, Brighton have been linked with 6ft 4in Italian centre-back Diego Coppola. The Hellas Verona defender, a rising star for Italy’s U21 team, fits the mould Hürzeler is looking for: young, athletic, and powerful. According to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Brighton have initiated early discussions regarding Coppola, though other clubs are also circling.
Defensive injuries have plagued Brighton this season, with regulars Lewis Dunk, Joel Veltman, Adam Webster, and Igor Julio all spending time on the sidelines. Webster recently returned to help Brighton secure a clean sheet against Wolves, while the others are nearing full fitness in time for pre-season.
Amid the defensive reshuffling, 23-year-old Jan Paul van Hecke has emerged as the standout performer, earning Brighton’s Player of the Season accolade. Though some view him as a future captain, Hürzeler remains cautious. “He has the qualities – honesty, consistency, leadership potential – but there’s no need to rush. For now, his focus should be on performing at his best. Leadership will come naturally.”
As Brighton aim to secure a top-eight finish and keep their hopes of European football alive, all eyes are on the summer window. With a clear message from Hürzeler and a focus on adding physical presence, the club looks ready to take another step forward in its Premier League journey.
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