The Seagulls were 2-0 up and dominant until the later stages of their friendly at St Mary’s.
But they ended up drawing 2-2 with a revitalised Saints side who also hit the post.
Hurzeler has made it clear he likes to win friendlies and the Seagulls had been successful in nine out nine under his command.
But, asked if the late struggles also made for a constructive exercise at this stage of pre-season, he told The Argus: “For sure.
“I think if we had won here 4-0, 5-0, everyone would write and say, ‘They are in such good shape’.
More from the game
“I think it is the right signal in the right moment that we can’t take anything for granted.
“We have to play our style of play for 90 minutes, not only 70 or 75 minutes.
“That is the message from today.
“For 70 or 75 minutes it was one of the best games I saw from my team.
“But then we weren’t able to manage the game and that is something we really have to learn as quick as possible.”