A club in the Premier League hires a martial arts expert.. What is the story? | sports

Brighton & Hove Albion coach Fabian Horzeler confirmed that his team used a mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter during training, in a move aimed at trying new methods for dealing with set pieces in the English Premier League.

Before facing Newcastle United, Horzeler explained in statements reported by “The Athletic” website that this step came about two months ago, with the aim of strengthening the team’s physical strength, especially in individual confrontations inside the penalty area.

The German coach said: “We talked a lot about set pieces, blocking operations, and new trends in the English Premier League. We are trying to adapt to that, because I do not want this club to be known only as a nice team.”

He added: “In some moments, you have to be solid in duels. There are different ways to use the body and skills to win one-on-one tackles, especially in set pieces. Mixed martial arts fighters live these confrontations constantly, and their mission is to find a way to outperform the opponent, and we like to draw inspiration from other sports.”

Horzeler pointed out that the team has actually benefited from this experience, stressing that Brighton has not historically been known for dominating set-pieces, which prompts it to search for innovative solutions. He also stressed the importance of finding ways to keep up with taller teams, by improving positioning and using different techniques in collisions.

Horzeler did not reveal the identity of the fighter, but he is not the only one in the Premier League who adopts unconventional training methods. Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta had previously hired professional pickpockets to test his players’ concentration, and he also brought a dog named “Win” into the training headquarters to enhance team spirit.

In statements he made to BBC Radio 5 Live, young midfielder Jack Henshelwood praised his coach’s innovative methods, revealing the presence of the mixed martial arts fighter in one of the training sessions.

Horzeler (33 years old) is considered one of the youngest coaches in the history of the English Premier League, as he began his career in the competition at the age of only 31 years, coming second behind Ryan Mason in terms of young age.

Brighton has been known in recent years for its attractive attacking style under the leadership of coaches such as Roberto De Zerbe and Graham Potter, but the German coach seeks to add a more solid physical dimension to the team.

Brighton currently ranks sixth in the league with 50 points, and will play its next match at St. James Park in good condition, having lost only one match in the last eight matches.