Interviews

De Zerbi: Our players are reaching top level

Albion head to Leeds United on Saturday.

By Charlie Hanson • 10 March 2023

By Paul Hazlewood
Lewis Dunk was recently praised by Roberto De Zerbi as 'one of the best defenders in the Premier League'.

Roberto De Zerbi says it’s not hard to believe Albion’s form since his arrival given the quality of players at his disposal.

Albion have collected 25 points from 17 Premier League games under the Italian and face Grimsby Town next Sunday for a place in the semi-finals of the FA Cup.

De Zerbi insists it’s his players’ ‘top level’ ability that is behind the fine run of form.

“It’s not the coach [that is responsible], it’s the quality of players,” he said.

By Paul Hazlewood
Roberto De Zerbi is particularly happy with his senior players, such as Pascal Gross.

“We have very good players and they are becoming top level and it’s not difficult to achieve these results with players of this quality. I don’t deserve anything, it’s all about the quality of the players.

“I am really pleased for my players and I am happy for their performances and results. But we know very well that to arrive in a European spot, our target, is going to be difficult.

“We have to push, we have to think game-by-game. Tomorrow is the start of a difficult period for us because we play on Saturday, Wednesday, Sunday but we want to play every game with our quality and style.”

We will be looking to extend our unbeaten run on the road in the Premier League to six matches on Saturday, against a Leeds team who sit outside the relegation zone on goal difference.

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PL Highlights: Albion 1 Leeds United 0

Roberto reckons that there’s not many places harder than Elland Road in the Premier League.

“I’m looking forward to playing in the stadium in Leeds and I know it will be [a] hot [atmosphere]. One of my favourite coaches is [Marcelo] Bielsa and I watched a lot of games when he was there so I know what it will be like.

“If we want to continue with our dreams we need to win there tomorrow.”