Interviews

De Zerbi: I’m happy, but we can play better

Head coach with his thoughts after Albion beat Liverpool 2-1 in the FA Cup.

By Bruce Talbot • 29 January 2023

By Paul Hazlewood
Roberto De Zerbi's team reached the fifth round with a 2-1 win over Liverpool.

Roberto De Zerbi was delighted to knock the holders Liverpool out of the FA Cup but admitted his team can play better.

Goals from Lewis Dunk and Kaoru Mitoma – who struck a brilliant winner in stoppage time – sealed Albion’s fifth-round place after a 2-1 win at the Amex which came 15 days after they had beaten Liverpool 3-0 in the Premier League.

De Zerbi said, “We are happy for the result. The game was very difficult because Liverpool played a fantastic game, they were very strong on the pitch.

“But we can play better, we can and we have to improve.”

The Italian was delighted for Mitoma, describing his fourth goal in six games as ‘a magic moment.’

“It was for him, the fans and everybody. The same for [Lewis] Dunk. He is an incredible player who I think can play one step higher but I am pleased for his goal.”

Albion will be ball no.14 in the fifth round draw, which takes place at 7pm on Monday and is live on BBC 1.