James Milner names Premier League boss already giving him 'Jurgen Klopp flashbacks'
Brighton appointed Fabian Hurzeler as a replacement for Roberto De Zerbi and midfielder James Milner has already seen hints of Jurgen Klopp in his new boss at the Amex Stadium
Brighton midfielder James Milner is 'getting flashbacks' of working under Jurgen Klopp, following the arrival of new manager Fabian Hurzeler.
The Seagulls boss takes the hotseat at the Amex following the departure of Roberto De Zerbi, and at just 31 years of age becomes the Premier League's youngest-ever permanent head coach. Hurzeler signed a three-year deal with the south coast side after an impressive spell with St Pauli where he helped the side win promotion to the Bundesliga.
The American-born, former Germany youth international is younger than some of the players at his disposal, including the 38-year-old Milner. That has not stopped Hurzeler leaving a positive impression on a player with a wealth of experience playing for Newcastle, Aston Villa, Manchester City, Liverpool and Leeds across the last two decades.
Milner believes the intensity Brighton will show under Hurzeler will be reminscent of Klopp's Liverpool side. Playing on the front foot will be a priority for the Seagulls.
READ MORE: Sky Sports fans can save £216 on their bill, here's three other reasons you'll want to pick itREAD MORE: Wayne Rooney was taken off Man Utd pens for Phil Jones after falling foul of Louis van Gaal"I'm getting flashbacks," Milner told Sky Sports. "There is a good mix of the last manager [Roberto De Zerbi], who was build-up orientated, but maybe a bit of Jurgen Klopp thrown in.
"In terms of how we defend especially, the focus is on high intensity, counter-pressing and quick reactions to turnovers. The manager has put his own stamp and intensity on things, he wants us to play front foot with and without the ball."
After playing 323 times under Klopp, there are few better placed to make such comparisions. Milner is well-versed in the ethos that Hurzeler wants to employ moving forwards.
It also means that Milner is familiar with some of the work taking place on the training pitch. The veteran is able to somewhat act as a conduit to his teammates as a result.
"A few of the sessions we've done and a few tactical ideas have been familiar, which is great," Milner added. "I'm very familiar with the Klopp style, and hopefully that means I can help some of the boys with a few of the defensive patterns. I'm pretty comfortable with it, and can help translate."
Hurzeler has been unafraid to rely on the experience available to him. The Brighton boss hopes to lean on his elder stars to help relay his message.
Milner said: "The manager has been very clear about what he wants from us as a team and individuals. He's spoken to the senior players about how we can help relay messages. I think that's a good way of operating and the group is very together - the manager is big on togetherness. It's key to how we want to play."
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