Brighton turn to MMA in bid to toughen up set-pieces
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Reading Time: 3min | Fri. 01.05.26. | 19:23
Fabian Hurzeler and his boys got a few tricks learned from a very different sort of arena
Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler has turned to an unlikely source in his bid to sharpen his side's edge, bringing in an MMA fighter to help with set-piece battles.
The revelation, first hinted at by midfielder Jack Hinshelwood, was confirmed by Hurzeler himself ahead of Saturday's trip to Newcastle United, with the German offering insight into the thinking behind the unconventional session.
"We brought him in because we've spoken a lot about set-pieces, blocking and new trends in the Premier League," Hurzeler said.
"We are trying to adapt to it because I don't want this club to always be known as a club that is nice."
The 33-year-old, the youngest head coach currently working in the Premier League, has quickly developed a reputation for blending pragmatism with innovation, and this latest move underlines that approach.
"In certain moments, you have to be quite resilient in personal duels," he added.
"There are different ways of using your body to win one-on-one duels, especially in set-pieces. An MMA fighter always has these situations. His job is to find a way to beat his opponent.
"We love getting ideas from other sports."
Hurzeler explained that the session, held "a couple of months ago", provided useful insights for a team not traditionally associated with physical dominance.
"We got some ideas from it which have been helpful," he said.
"Brighton have never been known for being dominant in set-pieces, so we need to find innovative ways.
"We might not have the height, but there are always ways to compete in these duels."
Brighton have earned widespread praise in recent seasons for their expansive, attacking style under Hurzeler and his predecessors, Roberto De Zerbi and Graham Potter. But the German is keen to add a more combative dimension.
He is not alone among Premier League managers in exploring unconventional methods. Arsenal's Mikel Arteta, for instance, has previously used elaborate exercises - from hiring pickpockets to test player awareness to introducing a club dog at the training ground, in a bid to instil focus and cohesion.
Hurzeler did not reveal the identity of the fighter involved, but the message was clear: Brighton are looking to evolve.
Sixth in the table and unbeaten in seven of their last eight matches, they arrive at St James' Park in strong form - armed not only with their usual technical fluency, but perhaps a few new tricks learned from a very different arena.
PREMIER LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 35
Friday
22.00: (1.40) Leeds (4.70) Burnley (8.00)
Saturday
17.00: (2.00) Brentford (3.75) West Ham (3.65)
17.00: (2.55) Newcastle (3.50) Brighton (2.65)
17.00: (3.25) Wolverhampton (3.35) Sunderland (2.25)
19.30: (1.50) Arsenal (4.30) Fulham (7.75)
Sunday
16.00: (1.63) Bournemouth (4.20) Crystal Palace (5.00)
17.30: (2.40) Man.Utd. (3.90) Liverpool (2.80)
21.00: (2.15) Aston Villa (3.60) Tottenham (3.60)
Monday
17.00: (1.75) Chelsea (4.20) Nott.Forest (4.60)
22.00: (6.50) Everton (4.80) Man.City (1.50)
***odds are subject to change***