New head coach Fabian Hurzeler is an admirer of his predecessor Roberto De Zerbi and is confident that his own coaching philosophy can help bring Albion more success.
Albion finished in a historical high of sixth in the Premier League and played in Europe for the first time during the Italian’s 21 months at the club and as well as watching Albion games religiously Hurzeler was at the Amex last December to see our 4-2 win over Spurs.
Hurzeler said, “He brought a different style of football, so of course I take some elements but in the end I have my own philosophy because you can't copy anyone.
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“His teams played with a lot of courage with some very interesting elements in terms of ball possession.
The German also takes inspiration from his countrymen.
"All the German coaches are role models for young coaches in Germany. The intensity Jürgen Klopp’s team have is something special and I really like to have also intensity on the pitch.
"So, for me, it's like a mixture between ball possession and intensity against the ball. I think you need to have plans for both phases. You have a plan against the ball and you have a plan with the ball and on top of that there's set pieces."
Hurzeler faces a tough start to the season with Albion playing five clubs who finished above them last season in the first eight games.