Brighton’s James Milner describes Fabian Hurzeler’s likeness to Jurgen Klopp as Seagulls put together for Premier League opener at Everton | Soccer Information

There may be little or no James Milner has not skilled or encountered over the course of an expert profession that has just lately entered its third decade, however enjoying below a supervisor seven years his junior is one in every of them.

Now 38, Milner is among the division’s oldest serving gamers, and a stalwart of the sport. Comparatively, Brighton’s new boss Fabian Hurzeler, at 31 years of age, is the league’s youngest-ever everlasting head coach.

The American-born German would be the first supervisor to take cost of a Premier League sport having been born – in February 1993 – after the competitors began.

Described by Brighton chief govt Paul Barber as “humble, smart, and a great communicator”, Hurzeler shares most of the qualities Milner possesses – which shaped a part of the explanation the membership handed the midfielder a 12-month contract extension in Might.

That, and the very fact Brighton’s midfield division seems to be considerably depleted after Pascal Gross left for Borussia Dortmund this summer season, with talks ongoing for Billy Gilmour’s departure too.

Hurzeler’s success this season, then, will relaxation on his potential to stability the youthful exuberance of the Seagulls’ squad (all 5 summer season arrivals have been 24 or below) with some Premier League nous, and there’s no higher intelligence to lean on than the participant with the second-most appearances within the competitors.

To enrich such longevity, Milner additionally has the good thing about relatable expertise. He has performed below Jurgen Klopp. Hurzeler, precocious by comparability, has brazenly admitted to being influenced by Liverpool’s enigmatic former chief – in addition to “best in the world” Pep Guardiola – and Milner observed the similarities instantly.

“I’m getting flashbacks,” he mentioned smiling, sitting within the vastness of Brighton’s indoor coaching dome to flee the scorching south coast sunshine. “There is a good mix of the last manager [Roberto De Zerbi], who was build-up orientated, but maybe a bit of Jurgen Klopp thrown in.

“When it comes to how we defend particularly, the main target is on excessive depth, counter-pressing and fast reactions to turnovers. The supervisor has put his personal stamp and depth on issues, he needs us to play entrance foot with and with out the ball.”

Hurzeler often favours an attacking 3-4-3 formation, with an emphasis on possession-led development. And an inclination to attract the eye of the referee for numerous touchline outbursts must be equally acquainted to Brighton supporters, after De Zerbi’s hot-headedness – Klopp shared that trait at occasions too.

“A few of the sessions we’ve done and a few tactical ideas have been familiar, which is great,” Milner continued. “I’m very familiar with the Klopp style, and hopefully that means I can help some of the boys with a few of the defensive patterns. I’m pretty comfortable with it, and can help translate.”

Clearly, Hurzeler has a ready-made ally in Milner, somebody who recognises and respects a transparent soccer philosophy, and a participant prepared to embrace the concepts of a comparatively new tactician.

“I get to learn from a new manager,” he mentioned. “I’m learning every day. I had a fantastic time under Roberto last year but now it’s a fresh start, with some positive changes. I’ve been really impressed with the manager so far, I’m excited to work with him.”

And why not? Hurzeler’s trajectory after 18 months at 2. Bundesliga St Pauli suggests there may very well be a lot to excite. Proprietor Tony Bloom hailed his arrival as a “a great fit” for Brighton, whereas the likeness to Klopp – a legend of contemporary administration – will solely improve his burgeoning popularity.

Milner added: “The manager has been very clear about what he wants from us as a team and individuals. He’s spoken to the senior players about how we can help relay messages. I think that’s a good way of operating and the group is very together – the manager is big on togetherness. It’s key to how we want to play.”

As for the soccer, Brighton within the De Zerbi mould had been the draw specialists of the Premier League final season with 12, no less than two greater than every other group. They had been hampered by the lack of star man Kaoru Mitoma to harm, in addition to others versed within the company of scoring objectives – Solly March, Julio Enciso and Evan Ferguson to call however just a few.

However Milner has been inspired by the stream of “immense talent” amongst Brighton’s youthful ranks, and believes the squad is effectively outfitted to raised final season’s Eleventh-place end.

“The club getting a taste of Europe last season was a fantastic achievement, and it’s something we should strive to repeat,” he mentioned. “That’s a realistic target. A trophy is also not out of the realms of possibility, the journey the club has been on has been incredible and we aim high. We want to keep moving the club forward.”

Talking private objectives, Milner is poised to look in his twenty third totally different Premier League season, which might characterize a contest report, surpassing Ryan Giggs’ 22.

634 not out, Milner’s look complete is simply 19 shy of Gareth Barry’s all-time report (653) and effectively inside attain this season, albeit chasing particular person spoils just isn’t the midfielder’s chief motivation.

“The record is still a long way off, I know Gaz very well, he was an incredible player who had an incredible career. I just want to keep playing football and I’d be very fortunate to reach that number.

“I’ve had a bit of banter about Gaz coming out of retirement to play for a local team,” he added, earlier than this journalist swiftly reminded him that appearances for a village membership within the twelfth tier don’t rely in direction of Premier League totals.

Nonetheless, Milner is particularly eager to not let age outline what may change into his last season as an expert – he shares that with Hurzeler, on the reverse finish of the spectrum. And, with Brighton dealing with seven of final season’s prime eight groups within the 10 fixtures that observe a tough opening-day journey to Everton, the burden is definitely one finest shared.