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And not just because he is their youngest-ever coach.
Results over the first 50 league games, a landmark he passed recently, were the best the club has seen for a new boss.
Eighth place in his debut season was the second-best in the club’s first 125 years.
But the best by one manager or head coach working across a full season.
And yet it still feels like some fans are finding his work harder to appreciate than that of his predecessor Roberto De Zerbi.
The gameplan is less obvious, the football less helter-skelter, the interviews less outspoken.
There is no Hurzeler chant from the stands and, as was put to the club in this piece, some fans say his playing style is hard to discern or warm to.
And yet his demeanour, processes and, above all, patience feel more in-keeping with what has been steady and sustainable progress – not a meteoric rise – by the club as a whole in recent years.
It has has been Bloom and build, not boom and bust.
Hurzeler is hugely popular when he speaks to fans at club events or goes out on visits around the local area.
Behind the scenes, there is a conviction that Hurzeler and Albion are well-suited for each other and that the club have a head coach destined for big things.
But also a recognition that there is room for improvement over the coming months and to follow the example of, for example, recent opponents Sunderland in one regard.
In this question-and-answer feature, sporting director Jason Ayto and technical director Mike Cave give some valuable insight from the offices and training pitches at Lancing as to why Hurzeler is regarded so highly but also what the next steps must be.
In what areas does Fabian impress as a coach – tactically and in terms of personnel/man-management?
Ayto: Fabian has an ability to balance tactical detail with man-management. His work rate and drive are incredible and he is meticulous in preparation. He is equally strong at building trust and confidence within the squad. Players respond well to him because he communicates clearly and understands what motivates individuals.
What qualities are marking him out to you as a top coach?
Ayto: His adaptability stands out. Fabian reads games well and isn’t afraid to make bold decisions, and this has served us really well when you consider the number of goals from substitutes this season — our record is the best across the top five leagues in Europe. In play, he combines modern tactical thinking with a calm authority that players respect – that’s a rare skill for a coach.
Fabian Hurzeler gives out instructions (Image: Simon Dack)
Is his productive use of subs a good indicator of his in-game decision-making skills? Or maybe the way the squad has been constructed as well?
Cave: Both, really. His substitutions often change games, which speaks to his ability to spot opportunities and act decisively to exploit them. But it also reflects the depth and balance of the squad he’s helped shape – he makes every player feels they have a role to play, and that’s important.
Is the improved quality of promoted teams making this season more of a challenge, and are season-by-season comparisons valid or misleading?
Ayto: The league evolves every year. Promoted sides are stronger this season, there is no doubt about that. Comparing seasons can be misleading because the context changes – what matters is that we focus on our aims and don’t worry too much about others.
Fabian Hurzeler oversees an impressive display at Nottingham Forest (Image: Richard Parkes)
Fans sometimes say his tactics and gameplan aren’t clear – is that fair, and is it a bad thing?
Cave: I’d disagree with that. Fabian has a very clear way he wants to play, we saw that at Forest, with a really impressive performance, and two very different aspects in both halves. Fluidity in the first half, in what was arguably one of our best performances in the Premier League; and then really good resilience and game management in the second half. Fabian sets clear principles for the players, but he also has the capability to adapt to opponents and situations. We don’t want just one style of play. Perhaps the one thing which has not helped with clarity is our own inconsistency, and Fabian said it again after the last game. It comes down to one key area for improvement, being consistent in the basics. Our last opponents Sunderland are a brilliant example of a Premier League team doing the basics consistently well, and getting the rewards. That is the area we need to improve.
Are there key metrics that show development and progress?
Ayto: Absolutely – Fabian’s record in his first 50 matches was the best of any Brighton manager or head coach at this level. He was really unlucky when you reflect on last season, in most other seasons his points return would have taken us into Europe. There is still work to do, around consistency, and that is where the work on the training ground is so important.
Does it feel like this squad has capacity for improvement on what we have seen so far this season?
Cave: Yes, definitely. There’s a lot more to come. We feel like we have left points on the field this season in certain games, and that is frustrating everyone, but Fabian feels that more than anyone. He has regularly challenged the squad and told them not to miss what we see as a real opportunity this season. That might be in terms of league position or the cup. What we do not want is a situation where the players have any regrets and are left thinking what might have been at the end of the season. We’ve got good young players, developing well, and experienced ones guiding them. Fabian’s approach is about continuous improvement, and you can feel an energy in the group — but as we head into the New Year if we were to focus on resolutions, well starting at Arsenal on the 27th, it would be consistency and grasping the opportunity.
What is he like to talk to when you discuss football and the team?
Ayto: Engaging and insightful. He quickly become well respected within the game, and across the Premier League, which is even more impressive when you factor in his age. Fabian is a student of the game, someone who loves the detail and works incredibly hard. Conversations with him are always constructive – he’s open-minded and values input, which makes working with him a pleasure.”
