Fabian Hurzeler has already won the full respect of his senior players at Brighton, many of whom are older than their 31-year-old German manager.
The most senior of all, 38-year-old James Milner, says the German's personality has averted any issues. The proof was evident in Saturday's win at Goodison Park.
'It could have been a problem if the manager didn't have that presence but he came in day one clear about what he wants. You don't even think about his age then,' said Milner, starting a record 23rd Premier League season.
'He's been brilliant and very authoritative. He does fantastic team talks getting the lads fired up and is methodical as well.
'He hasn't ripped up what we did before. He recognises there was a lot of good already. He just wants to add to it.
Fabian Hurzeler has already won the full respect of his senior players at Brighton , many of whom are older than their 31-year-old German manager
The most senior of all, 38-year-old James Milner, says the German's personality has averted any issues. The proof was evident in Saturday's win at Goodison Park
'I'm sure he has been asked a million questions but age is just a number. You are talking to somebody who was playing in the Premier League at 16 and still playing at 38. It's irrelevant if you're good enough for the job.'
Milner expects talk about Hurzeler's birthdate to 'dampen down' quickly if Brighton play like this.
After containing early Everton pressure, Kaoru Mitoma opened the scoring after 25 minutes with Danny Welbeck and Simon Adingra adding goals in the second-half.
Milner was delighted to start in midfield having been largely used at full-back by previous managers Jurgen Klopp and Roberto De Zerbi.
'It was nice to be back in the middle for sure. It's a position I feel is my best because I can organise and be close to the action,' added the former England international who missed much of last season with a thigh injury.
'I just want to contribute as much as I still can. It is a fantastic group of players to be part of.'
The only consolation for Everton – who had a penalty over-turned by VAR at 1-0 – is that they bounced back from an even worse 4-0 defeat against Aston Villa last season.
'It can feel low but there are positives once you realise we did a lot of good things within our gameplan, there are positives,' said skipper James Tarkowski.