Roberto De Zerbi has enjoyed getting to know his players as he prepares for his first game as Albion’s head coach.
With players on international duty, De Zerbi didn’t have a full squad on the training ground until Thursday, but he has spent time since his appointment speaking to the squad – and stressing their importance to his plans for the weeks and months ahead.
“I have spoken a lot of times with the defenders, [Lewis] Dunk, [Joel] Veltman and [Adam] Webster. They for me are the most important players in the squad, because from them we start, they start the build-up, they start us being able to dominate the game,” said De Zerbi.
“But I have spoken with [Alexis] Mac Allister and [Moises] Caicedo on Thursday when they got back from their national teams. I have spoken with [Solly] March as well, because for me Solly is a key player. I want him to understand why he will be important for me, I want him to have responsibilities that will help increase the number of goals, because I fully trust him.
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“I have spoken with [Leo] Trossard as well, the conversation was more or less the same as what I said to Solly. I have spoken with [Danny] Welbeck, [Pervis] Estupinan, [Tariq] Lamptey and with the younger players. The day is long, 24 hours, so I have plenty of time to talk to the players, to talk about every single detail.”
De Zerbi will visit Anfield for the first time when fourth-placed Albion go to Liverpool tomorrow and his first encounter with Jurgen Klopp.
“He’s a great manager. He achieved great results with Dortmund and Liverpool, he has great personality, he’s a very smart man, charismatic and I am proud to play against him and his squad in that stadium for my first game,” added De Zerbi.
“Of course, my first game here to play at Anfield is something unique, but I have to keep the focus on my team, the instructions to give and what we can do to achieve a result.”