Brighton and Hove Albion’s Frenchman recalls his first meeting with head coach Fabian Hurzeler

Brighton defender Olivier Boscagli said his first meeting with head coach Fabian Hurzeler was the opposite of what he expected.

Boscagli joined Brighton on a free transfer in 2025 after six successful seasons with Dutch club PSV.

The Monegasque struggled to establish himself in his first season in the Premier League but is making an impact this term.

Boscagli, 28, has started every match this season and has operated at centre back, left back and even central midfield.

His development was recognised last week as he was named in Zinedine Zidane's longlist squad for the France national team.

Hurzeler showed me my flaws

Boscagli is pleased with the progress he has made since joining Brighton and working with Hurzeler.

"One thing I will always remember is my first video call with him," said Boscagli to the club website. "I expected him to explain what Brighton is like and what he liked about my game.

"It was totally the opposite. In that first meeting, he showed me all the bad things I do. He told me, "If I text you, it is to improve this. I know what you do well, but I want to develop the other side of your game."

“At first, it felt a bit strange that a manager would focus on your flaws right away, but I took it in a really positive way. It showed that he wanted to work with me and make me a better player."

Hurzeler is also known for showing his passion on the touchline and that is something Boscagli and the other players appreciate.

"We feel that he loves what he is doing, and he wants to improve us every single day.

"In the good moments, it is easy to congratulate everybody. But on the days when it is harder, when you are struggling with game time, he is there to help."

Hurzeler’s hidden message

Boscagli operates best as a left sided centre back or as a left back. His delivery into the box is often praised by Hurzeler who says he has one of the best left feet in the Premier League.

Boscagli added: "The manager shows me every day that while I can do a lot of high-quality things with the ball on my left foot, if I don't execute the rest of his game plan, I won't play.

"So while the compliment is really nice to hear, I know that when he says it, there is a hidden message. He is essentially saying, "This is your quality, but here is where you still need to learn."