Brighton’s Vušković hails Hürzeler and reveals key differences between Premier League and Bundesliga

After impressing during his loan spell at Hamburger SV from Tottenham last season, Luka Vušković joined Brighton & Hove Albion on a permanent basis in the summer and has made a promising start under Fabian Hürzeler.

Speaking to Croatian outlet Sportske Novosti, Vušković praised Hürzeler and opened up on the trust the German coach has placed in him from the outset.

“We have an excellent coach who has a specific vision of football, which is nothing new. He knows how to communicate that to the players, and the club has built a team capable of meeting those demands," Vuskovic said, adding:

“The coach has given me a lot of trust from the beginning, and that means a lot to a young player. He knows the season is long, that the Premier League is extremely strong and that every week you face excellent players and teams, so you can’t be perfect in every performance or play without making mistakes. What matters to him is that we respect the ideas he has and wants us to implement on the pitch.”

Asked about the biggest differences between the Bundesliga and the Premier League, Vušković highlighted the intensity and physicality of the English game.

“The tempo is high in the Bundesliga too, and there are obviously physically strong players, but in England it is another level in terms of physicality, especially speed. Referees allow quite a lot of contact, and the game is very dynamic and fast.

“But it’s far from being at the expense of technique. Everyone knows how to play; they just do it at a very high speed. If you are part of a well-organised team like we are, it is easier to adapt to that tempo.”

The young centre-back was also asked about his older brother Mario Vušković’s long-awaited return to training with Hamburger SV after serving a four-year ban for a doping violation.

“I don’t even need to say how happy I am for him. HSV have shown themselves to be a truly great club. The support from the people at the club, the teammates and the fans has been incredible, and I know how significant that has been for Mario throughout this whole story," Luka Vuskovic said.

“I’m sure he is desperate to repay that trust on the pitch, and I have no doubt that he will be at a high level when he returns. It will be a special moment for him, for our family and for everyone at HSV.

“His performances will be the club’s greatest reward for the support they have given him, and his reward for the years in which he was unable to do what he loves most.”