'I can learn too': Brighton's Hürzeler wants advice from senior players | Brighton & Hove Albion

TOAt just 31 years old, Fabian Hürzeler is the youngest permanent coach of the Premier League The England striker is the most experienced player in his team, but he is not afraid to ask the more experienced players for advice. Take Danny Welbeck, for example: the former England striker scored the second goal in Brighton's impressive 3-0 win at Everton on the opening day of the new season and spent almost 13 years at Manchester United, who Hürzeler's side will face in their first home game on Saturday. Who better to ask for advice on how to overcome Erik ten Hag's side?

“It’s one of my ways of coaching, I listen to the experienced players because I can learn from them too,” explained the German coach, who ended his playing career at 23 to focus on coaching and is two years younger than Welbeck. “It’s very open and the players know that. In the end, they have experienced more on the pitch than I have. I’m not afraid to say it because it’s true. I can learn from them and listen to their opinions to help me prepare for a game against Manchester United. Danny Welbeck played there and maybe has more knowledge about the club and about the behaviour of his players. It would be foolish not to use them. In the end, of course, it’s my job to make the decisions and the clear preparation to have the right game plan for a big opponent.”

After a summer in which they have spent almost £150m on new signings, and as Brighton head into their second game of the campaign at the top of the nascent league table, fans have plenty of reasons to be excited. The potential signings of Fenerbahce's Turkish left-back Ferdi Kadioglu (who has also been linked with United) and Celtic's Danish midfielder Matt O'Riley would only add to their optimism, having already seen the club's record transfer fee surpassed earlier this week by more than £10m, with the £40m acquisition of Georgino Rutter from Leeds. But it is their vibrant new manager who has set most of the pulses racing on the south coast.

Just days before their win over Everton, which also saw another new signing, Yankuba Minteh, make a brilliant debut, the baseball-capped Hürzeler received a standing ovation from more than 300 Brighton fans invited to the club's annual pre-season forum. As well as being asked if he would get a tattoo of a seagull if Brighton beat arch-rivals Crystal Palace twice this season, the former St Pauli manager was also asked if he sees the role as a “stepping stone” – perhaps given the experience of his predecessor Roberto De Zerbi. “I don't consider myself the most important,” was his reply. “It's more about giving my knowledge and passion to the players, the club and you.”

Hürzeler continued to speak on that theme as he prepared for the encounter with United, a team against whom Brighton have enjoyed considerable success, with four wins in their last six meetings. However, while he dismissed the suggestion that his team could be considered favourites, he was adamant that fans can play a big part in creating early momentum.

“I spoke to them and for me it is always important what is expected of them, what they want to see the team do on the pitch,” he said. “In the end, it is about giving everything you have in your body. They must have the feeling during every game that every player gives everything they have. I always try to create a connection with the fans, because in the end I want them to be our 12th player and to support us in every situation.”

He added: “In games like the one against Manchester United there will be times when we have to suffer together. There will be times when maybe United controls the game. And then you have to stick together, and then you have to suffer together. I would love the fans to continue to support us. That is our job, to build this connection with the fans, and it only works if we put a lot of effort and a lot of energy on the pitch, and a lot of intensity.”

Hürzeler insisted Billy Gilmour is available and that the Scottish midfielder will remain at the club after the transfer window closes. “Yes and yes,” he said, despite reports that Napoli have verbally agreed a fee for him. Minteh is free to play after passing concussion protocols following his withdrawal against Everton, while Rutter is also expected to feature.

“He has a bit of German, a bit of English and a bit of French, so there is a mix of everything in his character,” Hürzeler said of the France Under-21 international. “He laughs a lot and I think he has quickly integrated into the group, and that is the most important thing. Of course, I am convinced that he will help us on the pitch, because of his attitude working against the ball, because of his quality in possession. He has something special. I have known him since he played for Hoffenheim and have followed his career.

“He can help us because he has a very good sense of positioning, a very good sense of finding the gaps between the opponent’s lines and taking the game forward. He always tries to play vertically and I also like his reaction and his behaviour out of position and after losing the ball. So I think he has a very interesting set-up that will help us.”