Brighton & Hove Albion’s manager, Fabian Hürzeler, has been a masterclass in leadership, and his recent comments on his captain, Lewis Dunk, and goalkeeper, Bart Verbruggen, have sent a strong message to his players and the fans. Amidst criticism surrounding their recent performances, Hürzeler has come out in strong defense of his duo, showcasing his unwavering support and commitment to their development.
The key to success lies not in criticizing players, but in supporting and believing in them , and Hürzeler seems to have gotten it right. Despite Dunk’s injury setbacks and Verbruggen’s errors leading to goals, the Brighton manager has stood firm behind his players, emphasizing their importance to the team.
Dunk, a stalwart for Brighton, has faced his fair share of challenges this season. However, Hürzeler sees beyond the criticism, highlighting Dunk’s honesty, competitiveness, and leadership. “He’s the most honest person to himself and he knows his condition at the moment. He knows his shape. He knows that in some moments during the season, he was not on the highest level.” This insight into Dunk’s character showcases Hürzeler’s deep understanding of his players.
Experience is key, and Dunk’s 260+ Premier League games are invaluable to the team. Hürzeler praises Dunk’s value to the team, citing his leadership and ability to know himself best. “He’s played more than 260 games in the Premier League, so he knows himself the best, and therefore it’s very important that we see, of course, on one side his condition and his fitness level, but the other side also his value for the team, and his value for the team is unbelievable.”
Verbruggen, on the other hand, has faced criticism for his errors, but Hürzeler acknowledges the difficulties the young goalkeeper has faced. “It’s difficult for him to build connections… Also, [Bart] is 22 and he plays his first Premier League season as a number one.” Despite these challenges, Verbruggen has shown promise, and Hürzeler’s support will undoubtedly boost his confidence.
The importance of supporting young players cannot be overstated , and Hürzeler’s approach is a testament to this. “I always protect my players in the public, and always will. We’ll help them internally and I give them honest feedback on where they need to improve.” This paternal approach to management will undoubtedly pay dividends for Brighton’s young players.
As Hürzeler reflects on his own journey, he draws parallels between his development as a manager and the growth of his players. “I sometimes compare it with my journey, my career so far. From day one, I got questioned. From day one, I got challenged… I always had to get belief from others. I always had mentors around me who gave me their support.” This self-awareness and humility will serve Hürzeler well as he navigates the challenges of managing in the Premier League.
In the end, it’s all about the players, and Hürzeler’s unwavering support for Dunk and Verbruggen sends a strong message to his squad. As the Seagulls push for a European spot, Hürzeler’s leadership and commitment to his players will be crucial in determining their success. “I will take responsibility for their development. That’s my job and I really like to work with them,” he says, showcasing his dedication to his players’ growth.
The future looks bright for Brighton, with Hürzeler at the helm and a squad full of talented young players. As the season draws to a close, one thing is certain – Brighton & Hove Albion are in good hands with Fabian Hürzeler.
