Fabian Hurzeler says he likes his defensive options going into a new Albion season.
But it is too simplistic to believe he is building towards a back three as he played at St Pauli.
Albion have brought in three new central defenders who excelled in that system last season while losing Jan Paul van Hecke to Spurs.
They have yet to have all their centre-backs available at the same time.
Pascal Struijk has sat out the last two friendlies while Michael Svoboda has yet to have any game time.
Hurzeler has used the formation he has employed in his two seasons as Seagulls head coach in the three games so far.
But fans and media alike have noted the three newcomers, including Luka Vuskovic, are happy in a three, to the point where Croatia changed shape to accommodate the former Spurs teen.
Hurzeler told a BBC Radio Sussex fans forum that he plans to continue with a back four.
But, speaking to The Argus in Vienna in pre-season, he said he would assess options and have flexibility.
Hurzeler said: “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.
“Let's see how 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.
Read more
Albion striker seals loan move as Vidosic eyes summer attacking additions
Under-21s given key dates in busy programme including exciting cup ties
Hurzeler hits the top five in this Prem boss ranking
“That's why, let's see how fast they will adapt, and then I think it's very important, 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?
“In which position they can play the highest level?
“And that means that 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.
“I think it's really important to understand strengths of the players, what will be their strengths, where they can express themselves the best, in which positions on the pitch, in which areas, in which situations, and that's what we have to figure out.”
Share