Argus journalist Brian Owen believes the effort Brighton boss Fabion Hurzeler put into communication during his early time at the club has helped him adjust after the end of his “extended honeymoon” period.
The Seagulls occupy sixth position heading into the October international break and responded well to the 4-2 defeat at Chelsea with Sunday’s stunning 3-2 comeback win over Spurs.
“Every team has good players and most teams have more expensive players than Brighton have got so on and off the pitch as a club and team you have to do things a little bit differently,” Owen told Albion Unlimited. “You have to be a little bit inventive.
“I thought Hurzeler had quite an extended honeymoon period of his own making because pre-season went well, the signings were exciting, he was really good at communicating, making himself known and getting to know people. He made a really good impression in that way and then results continued into the season.
“His honeymoon period lasted longer than for most coaches. I wrote a piece after the Chelsea loss saying it was getting a bit cold, players have niggles, things aren’t going so well, there’s criticism flying around and the honeymoon was over. This is now the English football season.
“He spoke about that at Stamford Bridge saying this is the challenge he has come for. Now, it feels like we’re into the proper season but the groundwork that he did, the early work he did on the pitch and with media, with fans, how he came across has helped him.
“He did things like an old stager, belied his years.”
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