It was a typically busy Thursday at Cobham, Chelsea’s training ground, as journalists rotated through a series of routine questions with manager Enzo Maresca about the team’s upcoming match against Brighton.
Most of the queries were harmless enough—until the name Fabian Hurzeler came up.
Suddenly, the atmosphere shifted. Maresca’s responses were unusually curt.
Four separate attempts to get him to comment on Hurzeler all ended in polite deflection.
Instead of offering praise, Maresca repeatedly highlighted his predecessor, Roberto De Zerbi, as a “top manager.”
By the end of the briefing, when pressed once more about Hurzeler, Maresca simply thanked the press and left.
The frostiness was notable, especially considering their last encounter on February 14 at the Amex Stadium, when Brighton defeated Chelsea 3-0. Yet, as far as rivalries go, this isn’t exactly a Clough-versus-Revie scenario.
Maresca later softened his tone in pre-match comments, acknowledging that Hurzeler and Brighton had done well since his arrival.
Friction Beyond Chelsea
It’s not just Maresca who has felt the chill. Hurzeler’s intensity seems to ruffle feathers elsewhere too.
Last month, Pep Guardiola reportedly refused to shake Hurzeler’s hand after Manchester City’s 2-1 loss at Brighton.
Maresca is clear that there is no personal animosity, but he’s also unlikely to start a Hurzeler fan club anytime soon.
Sources close to him explain that the cold reception back in February was largely about respect for De Zerbi, who now manages Marseille in France.
The timing of that Ligue 1 fixture coinciding with Chelsea’s schedule was merely a coincidence.
Loyalty Runs Deep Among Italians
Maresca and De Zerbi share a decades-long friendship dating back to their youth at AC Milan, and their bond has survived years of separate careers.
Even when De Zerbi took over at Brighton in 2022, he consulted Maresca on navigating English football.
And when Chelsea wanted to sign Joao Pedro from Brighton this past summer, Maresca sought De Zerbi’s honest assessment.
Those who know Maresca say “loyalty” explains much of his February reluctance to praise Hurzeler.
The Italian word “lealta” captures it perfectly, signaling a bond so strong it can outweigh conventional professional niceties.
Early Praise and Later Icy Interactions
Interestingly, Maresca had initially praised Hurzeler in September 2024, describing his work at St Pauli as “fantastic.”
Chelsea’s 4-2 win over Brighton that year, highlighted by Cole Palmer’s first-half four-goal blitz, saw the two managers clash on the sidelines but without lasting tension.
Hurzeler’s competitive streak has been evident since his playing days in Germany, where his fiery temper earned him numerous cards.
Even today, his animated touchline behavior and challenges to referees can unsettle opposing coaches.
Hurzeler’s Passion and Growth
Hurzeler openly admits he can be difficult and acknowledges his need to manage emotions better.
As one referee source told Daily Mail Sport, “He can be very excitable and challenges referees’ decisions most weeks… as he gains more experience as a coach, his passion will be more controlled and accepted by peers.”
At 32, Hurzeler’s intensity is part of his authenticity and his drive to succeed at the Premier League level. He is here to win, not make friends.
That was evident when Brighton edged Chelsea 2-1 in the FA Cup, with Hurzeler animated on the touchline but never crossing into excessive celebration.
Brighton Fans Appreciate the Energy
Seagulls supporters generally admire Hurzeler’s passion.
“Personally, I feel he should just focus on his team rather than what Maresca’s doing,” one fan said.
However, some are puzzled by his responses to setbacks and insistence that Brighton has deserved more from matches.
Heading into the upcoming clash at Stamford Bridge, Brighton has won just one of five Premier League matches.
Don’t expect a cordial post-match wine with Maresca, but expect another battle of tactics and personalities on the touchline.