Antef Tsoungui is relishing another test against strong EFL opposition on Tuesday when our men’s under-21s face Gillingham in the Papa Johns Trophy, kick-off 7pm.
Despite a narrow defeat against Colchester United last time out in this competition, Albion impressed against their League 2 opponents and Tsoungui is in confident mood ahead of tonight’s tussle.
“We try not to approach these cup games any differently,” said the 19-year-old. “We played well against Colchester and know it will be another difficult challenge, but we won’t change the way we play.
“It will be a lot more physical than a regular Premier League 2 game, but we’re not daunted by that. It will be a good chance for us to showcase what we can do against higher opposition. I’m looking forward to it, I enjoy that pressure.”
Albion head to Gills after a fantastic 4-0 victory against Spurs in PL2 on Friday in Shannon Ruth’s first game in charge as head coach.
Goals from Andrew Moran, Cameron Peupion, Todd Miller and Ed Turns sealed three points at the American Express Elite Football Performance Centre to give Ruth the perfect start, and Tsoungui was full of praise for the new man in charge.
“Everyone respects Shannon,” said the centre-back. “He can be very personal with us – you can talk to him off the pitch and away from football – but he can also get his point across when he needs to.
“When he talks, everybody listens and the squad is completely tuned into his ideas. He wants us to be sharp on the pitch and show our identity. We all want to play the Brighton way and that’s what he brings to our side.
“Friday showed what we’re capable of. We turned the pressure up and in the second half we scored four goals and played some great football. Shannon worked us hard during the week and to see it come off makes you believe in your efforts. We’re really enjoying our football under him and want to keep kicking on.”