'I have my own philosophy' - Fabian Hurzeler will not try to emulate Roberto De Zerbi at Brighton

The former St Pauli boss and Bayern Munich II player was chosen as the successor to Roberto de Zerbi and will take charge of his first league game at Everton on August 17.

The 31-year-old is the youngest permanent manager in Premier League history.

"My age is a big topic,” the German told reporters at Albion’s training ground in Lancing on Tuesday (July 2).

"I am a young man but I am not a young coach. I call myself the friendly authority. Football is my passion. I try to convince my players using the power of ideas.

"I really like the DNA [of Brighton]. It is a very analytical, data-based approach. I like the style, playing with courage. I know they have achieved big things. It is an honour to be part of it.

"I am really excited. We have young players with big potential, and older ones who have achieved a lot of things."

Hurzeler ended his playing career at the end of just 22 because he knew ‘wouldn't get to the level of Brighton, for example’.

“I thought why not start to become a coach,” he added.

Hurzeler guided St Pauli to last season’s Bundesliga 2 title – earning promotion to promotion to the Bundesliga.

The chance to move to the ‘the best league in the world’ was one the Texas-born German coach couldn’t turn down and he now wants to ‘achieve big things’ and ‘challenge the establishment’.

He added: “I'm aware this is a huge job. It’s a big challenge. I need a lot of courage and have to stay humble. I'm really looking forward to starting my work."

Hurzeler hasn’t yet me all of his players but is looking forward to discussing his vision and tactics with them.

“They need to be convinced – they need to feel what we can achieve,” Hurzeler said. “That's the main thing for me.

"The Premier League is the best league in the world with a lot of good coaches. You need your own philosophy and identity but it's important to take other elements and adapt."

Hurzeler was asked how his management style would differ from De Zerbi, who joined Marseille after departing Albion at the end of last season.

The German said: "Roberto De Zerbi had a huge impact on the whole football world but I have my own philosophy. Roberto's team played with a lot of courage in ball possession, but you can't copy anyone."

Joining Hurzeler at his first press conference was club chairman Tony Bloom and CEO Paul Barber.

Asked if the appointment was a gamble, Bloom said: “I wouldn’t talk about it as a gamble.

"I wouldn't talk about it as a gamble at all. We look at everything, we put a lot of effort into the appointment of any head coach like other clubs do and we think Fabian is the best fit for the football club. He's the least risk option we had.

“Our fans, players and the whole city should be very excited about this appointment.”