Interviews

Pre-Arsenal press with Roberto De Zerbi

The head coach on Facundo Buonanotte, Moises Caicedo, our form and the Gunners.

By BHAFC • 14 May 2023

By Paul Hazlewood
Roberto De Zerbi face second place Arsenal on Sunday.

Carlos Tevez has said recently that he has seen much change in Facundo Buonanotte in his mentality on and off the pitch...

"I haven’t spoken to Carlos Tevez, but he is right. Facundo [Buonanotte] is improving, but there is one thing that is different. Football in the UK is different from other parts of the world. It is more physical and stronger and Facundo needs some months more to understand the life here. [It won't happen] immediately, but we want to help him."

How was Facundo's experience on his debut?

By Paul Hazlewood
Facundo Buonanotte scored on his first Premier League start at Nottingham Forest.

"He scored and it was a very important thing for him. He has personality. He is used to playing in games where there is pressure. But it is a different style to play in a different country, different football.

"It is not so easy to understand for a player so young. But we try to help him because I think he was important in Nottingham and he will be important for Sunday maybe and for the last five games."

How is Moises Caicedo getting on?

"He is playing very well. He is always one of the best players on the pitch. He played right back and his normal position (against Manchester United) and he did not change the quality of his performance. I'm really happy for him. I have no doubts he is only focused on this club."

How is the mentality of the team after a couple of defeats in the recent run?

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De Zerbi's Arsenal press conference

“In Nottingham, we lost before the start of the game. Against Everton, we made mistakes because we didn't forget the victory with Manchester United four days before. If you are used to competing for the big target, you know how you have to forget the result and the victory. If you are not used to it, it’s more difficult. Football is great because what you did yesterday does not count and you have to forget."

Arsenal?

"Arsenal are a great team. They deserve to fight for the Premier League. I don't know who will win the Premier League but we have big respect for them. I think they are improving in a lot of things this year. They play fantastic football but I have to be focused on my team and think only about them as we have some problems.

"The last part of the season is very important for us and the club. We are still disappointed by the last result but I think on Sunday it will be a difficult game and we will be ready to try and win."