Brighton formation latest: Fabian Hurzeler addresses back three debate

Brighton & Hove Albion head coach Fabian Hurzeler has played down suggestions the Seagulls are preparing to switch to a back three, insisting he will choose the formation that best suits his players rather than forcing his own tactical preferences.

The arrival of three new centre-backs this summer, following Jan Paul van Hecke's move to Tottenham, has fuelled speculation that Brighton could adopt the system Hurzeler previously used during his time at St. Pauli.

However, the German coach says it is far too early to draw that conclusion.

Brighton have continued to operate with a back four throughout pre-season, despite signing defenders who excelled in a three-man defence.

Among them is Luka Vuskovic, who impressed in a back three last season and even saw Croatia alter their formation to maximise his strengths.

Hurzeler, though, believes his new signings are capable of playing in multiple systems.

"That's too easy because I think they all can also play as a back four.

"Of course, with my previous club I played a back three but, in general, we were very successful in the last two years with a back four."

Rather than arriving with a fixed tactical blueprint, Hurzeler says he wants to evaluate how quickly his new defenders adapt to Brighton's demanding style of play.

"Let's see first of all how the players will adapt.

"Let's see how they get used to our style of play, because what I can already say now is our idea of playing football is not that easy and the players will get a lot of information."

The Albion manager stressed that selecting a formation should always be based on getting the best from his squad.

"It won't be that I will try to push my formation.

"You need to understand as a coach, how are the players, how can they play on the highest level?"

That means a back three remains an option, but only if it proves to be the strongest tactical fit.

"If it's in a back three, then it might be a back three.

"But if they are able to do a back four, then it's a back four."

Brighton are yet to have all of their central defenders available together during pre-season.

Pascal Struijk has missed the Seagulls' last two friendlies, while Michael Svoboda is still waiting to make his first appearance.

With several new signings still adapting, Hurzeler believes the coming weeks will determine which system allows his defenders to perform at their highest level.

Brighton will continue preparing for the new Premier League season with Hurzeler assessing how his new defensive signings adapt to the club's tactical demands. Whether the Seagulls stick with a back four or eventually switch to a back three is likely to become clearer once all of the club's centre-backs are fully available.