Brighton star Olivier Boscagli reveals ‘strange’ first meeting with Fabian Hurzeler

Olivier Boscagli has revealed how Fabian Hurzeler surprised him during their first conversation by immediately highlighting his weaknesses rather than praising what he could bring to Brighton.

The French defender joined Brighton on a free transfer in 2025 following six successful seasons with PSV Eindhoven.

His first Premier League campaign proved difficult as he struggled to establish himself consistently, but the situation has changed dramatically this season.

The 28-year-old has started every game so far, operating at centre-back, left-back and even in central midfield. His performances have also earned recognition from France boss Zinedine Zidane, who included him in his latest longlist squad.

Boscagli believes working under Hurzeler has played an important role in his development, although their relationship began in an unexpected fashion.

Speaking to Brighton's club media, he recalled their first video call and admitted he expected the German coach to explain why the Seagulls wanted him.

Instead, Hurzeler concentrated almost entirely on what Boscagli needed to improve.

"One thing I will always remember is my first video call with him," Boscagli said.

"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.'"

Boscagli admitted the approach initially felt "a bit strange", but quickly understood the reasoning behind it.

Rather than viewing the criticism negatively, he saw it as evidence that Hurzeler genuinely wanted to develop him.

The Brighton defender has also been impressed by Hurzeler's passion and his willingness to support players when things are not going well.

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

"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."

That support appears to have paid off for Boscagli, who has developed into an important and versatile member of Brighton's team this season.

Boscagli's technical ability, particularly with his left foot, has regularly attracted praise from Hurzeler.

The Brighton manager has even described him as possessing one of the best left feet in the Premier League.

Boscagli, however, knows those compliments usually contain another message.

"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," he said.

"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.'"

Boscagli's immediate objective will be maintaining the consistency that has made him a regular under Hurzeler.

His versatility gives Brighton considerable flexibility, but his comments also make clear that Hurzeler's demands extend well beyond his quality in possession.

The Frenchman's international prospects provide another incentive. After earning recognition from Zidane, continuing his strong Brighton form could push him closer to a senior France opportunity.

At 28, Boscagli is now entering an important stage of his career, and after a challenging first season in England, he appears to be establishing himself as an increasingly important figure at Brighton.