“From Art Dealer to Premier League: Fabian Hürzeler’s Unconventional Journey to Management”

**Fabian Hürzeler: ‘When I see myself on the sideline I sometimes think: are you crazy?’** Brighton’s manager, Fabian Hürzeler, reflects on his unique journey to becoming the youngest permanent manager in Premier League history. To truly appreciate his path, one must look back to 2016, when he took on the dual role of player-manager for Pipinsried, a club in Germany’s fifth tier. At just 23 years old, Hürzeler made the bold choice to leave his professional playing career behind to focus on coaching, a decision that came with its own set of challenges. During this transitional period, he found himself struggling financially and took a job with an art dealer in Munich. “When I sold one picture or painting in a month, I was done,” he recalls. This job allowed him to immerse himself in football, as he spent much of his time watching games. However, this passion for the sport ultimately led to his dismissal from the art dealership. “The owner noticed that I was watching more football during work hours instead of focusing on sales, and we weren’t selling any more paintings,” he admits. Despite the setback, Hürzeler views that time as beneficial for his development. As he navigates his role at Brighton, Hürzeler’s youthful energy and understanding of the game resonate with his players, creating a unique dynamic on the sidelines.