Brighton & Hove Albion’s Sporting Director, Jason Ayto has praised Fabian Hurzeler for his management skills.
Ayto joined the Seagulls in September 2025 and has since noted Hurzeler’s attention to detail and ability to balance tactics and man management of his squad, as he reflected on the American-German’s first 18 months in charge in an interview with Brighton’s official website.
“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.
“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.
“Fabian reads games well and isn’t afraid to make bold decisions,” continued Ayto who believes that those qualities has helped Brighton make an impact in their substitutions without much panic.
“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.”
Technical Director, Mike Cave supported Ayto’s view as he added: “His substitutions often change games, which speaks to his ability to spot opportunities and act decisively to exploit them,” noted Cave. “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.”
Cave proceeded to speak of Hurzeler’s ability to have a clear vision as he pointed to their clinical 2-0 away win at Nottingham Forest in November 2025, highlighting the team’s ability to switch a fluid first half to a controlled second-half display.
“Fabian has a very clear way he wants to play. We saw that at Nottingham 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.”
Hurzeler’s managerial record at Brighton saw him become the youngest manager to achieve 50 Premier League games in charge, with Ayto now need to see consistency developed in their results.
“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.”
Ayto’s desire to see more consistency was echoed by Cave who feels that the basics isn’t consistent enough as he compared their ability to Sunderland, after the Black Cats grinded out a goalless draw in Brighton’s last match at home.
“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.”
Cave consequently feels that the Seagulls have wasted opportunities to achieve maximum points in various games, which he admitted was a frustration for Hurzeler.
“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 who are developing well, and experienced ones guiding them. Fabian’s approach is about continuous improvement, and you can feel an energy in the group. As we head into the New Year if we were to focus on resolutions, starting at Arsenal on the 27th, it would be consistency and grasping the opportunity.”
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