Whether it was the Easter sunshine, a sugar rush from the traditional Easter breakfast of a chocolate egg, or the return of a couple of key players, Fabian Hürzeler was in upbeat form ahead of Albion’s trip to Brentford.
“The big word today is positivity,” he said, grinning like someone who’s just been handed a functioning right-back (he hasn’t). “Karou [Mitoma] is back. JP [van Hecke] is back. And we have a lot of players who are in the end stage of rehab and will start training next week. That’s a big positive message for all of us.”
There’s even a glimmer of hope that James Milner and Ferdi might play some part before the season ends. “There’s a chance,” Hürzeler said. It’s unclear if that’s the hopeful kind of chance or the “we’re legally obligated to say this” kind of chance, but still…
Other squad players are getting closer to returns. Igor, Tariq Lamptey, and Joel Veltman are all back in training, with intensity ramping up this week. They are all set for returns this side of the long summer break.
Hürzeler spoke at length about the mood in the camp after a patchy run of results, saying he’s seen a strong response from his players. “I see a big reaction from everyone. Players are working really hard, on and off the pitch. But I always say — don’t try to force it. Enjoy it. Stay relaxed. When you get in these emotions where you’re forcing things, you don’t make good decisions.”
He also echoed what Bart Verbruggen said on social media this week — that every game is a final now. “Exactly,” said Hürzeler. “Every game is a chance. Every game is an opportunity to win. We have to go in with that mentality.”
There was also a mention for Yankuba Minteh’s video feature this week, which clearly struck a chord. “I had goosebumps,” Hürzeler admitted. “We have so many players from so many different cultures, and I always try to understand where they come from — their background, their education. The message from Yankuba’s father — ‘step by step’ — was perfect. You can’t force it. Sometimes you take one step back to take two forward. That’s our process.”
The situation of Eiran Cashin also came up, and Hürzeler was full of encouragement for the ex-Derby man. “We had a good conversation this week,” he said. “Cash is someone who integrates himself really well into the group, works hard, wants to be the best version of himself. The step from the Championship to the Premier League is big. But he improves every day, and he’ll get an opportunity when the time is ready.”
As for Brentford: “They’re difficult to beat. Very athletic. Very fast in transition — with Wissa, with Mbeumo, with Schade. And I’ve heard the atmosphere at Brentford is very good.”
But he also made it clear that Albion won’t be going there just to admire their West London hosts. “We want to be that team who’s difficult to beat. We want to be the team that goes there and tries to win.”
Chairman Tony Bloom will be in the away end again — as he so always is when Albion visit The Bees — and Hürzeler lit up when asked about it.
“It’s a big opportunity to make him happy. He’s not just the owner — he’s a real supporter. He shows it with his behaviour, not just words. And it’s important that we all recognise that. This isn’t just a job — we’re part of a community. Tony shows that every week.”
And the fans? Hürzeler knows they’ve been through it.
“Our fans have had to suffer this season. A lot of highs and lows. But the one thing I can always promise them is that we will give our best — the best version of ourselves, every match. It’s our responsibility to make them happy.”
The Gtech away end’s long since sold out, The Terrace beamback is also a full-house, and for all the recent bumps in the road, Albion still have everything to play for.
A win in West London would be more than just three points — it’d be a statement, a reset, and a big step back towards being in the European qualification conversation again.
