It has been a busy week for Ally McCoist. Champions League punditry. Receiving an OBE from Prince William. Talking about how impressed he has been by Brighton under Fabian Hurzeler so far this season.
McCoist made the remarks about the Albion in an interview with sports betting site talkSPORT BET. They come at a time when the Hurzeler Honeymoon period appears over after four Premier League games without a win and heavy scrutiny of Brighton’s defensive high line.
The Seagulls were held to a 0-0 draw at home by newly promoted Ipswich Town at the start of September. They then conceded two poor goals in another home draw with Nottingham Forest before shipping four times in the first half alone at Stamford Bridge.
That 4-2 defeat to Chelsea could have been much worse too. The Blues hit the woodwork on a couple of occasions and missed some other pretty straightforward opportunities to rack up six, seven, maybe even eight goals.
But despite being winless in the Premier League since August Bank Holiday weekend, Brighton have still only lost once under Hurzeler this season.
At the same time, he is introducing a new style of play, has £200 million worth of new signings to integrate and is himself still learning about the Premier League and life in England.
Perspective is therefore needed amongst some of the doom and gloom which has set in over recent weeks. McCoist offers that with his comments.
“I have been really impressed by Brighton; I have really enjoyed them so far,” said McCoist. “They continue to be the best team in the league at identifying talent and bringing them in at a good price.”
“Fabian Hurzeler is another example of this, he will be a top manager in years to come. I’ve been really impressed with what Hurzeler has done so far.”
“For once Brighton have dipped into the transfer market and made some very shrewd signings. They’ve done a wonderful job of selling and buying players at the right price over the years.”
Hurzeler is yet to benefit from all those new signings. Brajan Gruda has not played a single minute since his £25 million move from Mainz.
Matt O’Riley was injured after less than 10 minutes of his Albion debut and has since undergone surgery. Mats Wieffer likewise has barely featured so far. Ferdi Kadioglu only made his full debut at Chelsea.
McCoist added: “They’re a very solid team with quality throughout. Players like Kaoru Mitoma and Joao Pedro would start for top six sides. I’m very impressed.”
Hurzeler is also having to manage without Pedro currently. The Albion’s winless run coincides with the absence of their Brazilian forward, mirroring what happened through February, March and April last season.
A minor problem ended up ruling out Pedro for eight weeks. Whilst Pedro was out, Brighton’s season fell apart as they exited the FA Cup, Europa League and slid from top six contingent to an eventual finishing position of 11th.
Despite making a flying start to life at the Amex with wins over Everton and Manchester United, Hurzeler has not been dealt an easy hand in his opening two months at the helm.
Yet McCoist is still excited about the youngest permanent manager in Premier League history and what Brighton might be able to achieve under him this season.
