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Veteran Midfielder James Milner Embraces Youthful Brighton Manager Fabian Hurzeler
As James Milner, a stalwart of the Premier League, prepares to embark on his 23rd season in the top flight, he finds himself in a unique position – playing under a manager seven years his junior. Fabian Hurzeler, at just 31 years old, has become the youngest permanent head coach in Premier League history, taking charge of Brighton & Hove Albion.
Milner, now 38, is one of the division’s oldest serving players, but he has welcomed the opportunity to learn from the precocious Hurzeler, who has openly admitted to being influenced by the likes of Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola. The veteran midfielder has noted similarities between Hurzeler’s tactical approach and that of Klopp, the legendary Liverpool manager.
“I’m getting flashbacks,” Milner said, describing Hurzeler’s emphasis on high-intensity, counter-pressing, and quick reactions to turnovers. “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.”
Milner’s wealth of experience, having played under the likes of Klopp, will be invaluable as Brighton navigate a challenging start to the new Premier League season, facing seven of last season’s top eight teams in the opening 10 fixtures.
Despite his personal achievements, which could see him surpass Gareth Barry’s all-time Premier League appearance record this campaign, Milner remains focused on helping Brighton improve on their 11th-place finish last season and potentially secure a European spot.
“The club getting a taste of Europe last season was a fantastic achievement, and it’s something we should strive to repeat,” Milner said. “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.”
With Milner’s guidance and Hurzeler’s tactical acumen, Brighton will be looking to make an impact in the Premier League, the UEFA Champions League, the FA Cup, and potentially the Africa Cup of Nations, where several of their players are representing their national teams.
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