Read Roberto De Zerbi's programme notes

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The head coach gives his thoughts on VAR and looks ahead to today's game.

BHAFC

2023-02-18T10:00:00Z

Good afternoon and welcome back to the Amex Stadium for today’s game against Fulham.

We should, of course, have come away from Selhurst Park last Saturday with all three points instead of just the one. We were the dominant side throughout the game, both in terms of possession and chances created, and I was proud of the way the players dealt with the hostile environment of a derby fixture away from home.

The game was, of course, overshadowed by the VAR mistake which cost Pervis Estupinan his first goal for the club and the opening goal of the game. We appreciate that the PGMOL organisation apologised after the match for what happened, but at this level of the game, we expect better. It is not the first time it has happened to us this season; we feel we have been let down against Aston Villa, Leicester City, Liverpool and now this. When there is so much at stake, in a league that is watched all around the world, we hope that this will be a turning point, and that we will see improvements moving forward.

I’m sure our fans can see that we are in a good run of form right now and I get to feel that positivity among our players on a daily basis. There is more to come, of course; we have our targets, our ambitions, and if we continue to play with the same quality and the same personality, we can realise our objectives.

The media ask me if this team can qualify for Europe, and while it won’t be easy, we must aim for it. This group of players is certainly capable. Our visitors today, Fulham, of course, will be thinking the same way, and Brentford sit alongside us in the table too. That’s what makes the Premier League so fascinating; that the established big teams can be challenged and can be beaten. That is what makes this league such a privilege to work in.

Roberto De Zerbi speaks to the media ahead of the game against Fulham today.

We also have The FA Cup still to compete for, with our trip to Stoke City next Tuesday. We will be starting as the favourites on this occasion, but we will not be underestimating our opponents in any way. We will put out a strong, competitive side, with the intention of making sure we are in the draw for the sixth round. I would like to take this opportunity to thank those fans who will be making another long trip north. We hope to reward you with a place in the next round!

Finally, today is our designated No Room For Racism game and, as such, the players will be taking the knee before kick-off to show their support. It is good to learn that progress is being made with the Premier League’s Action Plan, but there is still plenty of hard work ahead to make sure football is a game that has no boundaries and that discrimination will not be tolerated. We all have a part to play in this.

Enjoy the game.