Interviews

De Zerbi: We can challenge in Europe

Head coach is looking forward to competing on four fronts next season.

By Bruce Talbot • 22 May 2023

By Paul Hazlewood
Roberto De Zerbi has guided Albion into European competition for the first time in the club's history.

Roberto De Zerbi believes Albion can challenge on four fronts next season after qualifying for Europe for the first time.

The Italian is confident with the right additions that his squad can ‘show our style in every competition.’

Although they still mathematically need a point to secure sixth and a place in the Europa League, it would take a 16-goal swing against them in the final two games to demote them into seventh and the Europa Conference League.

Albion have already confirmed the signing of striker Joao Pedro from Watford and even though De Zerbi admitted we might lose some players this summer he is confident quality replacements will arrive.

04:11

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De Zerbi: Credit to everyone at the club

“We don’t need to too many players but my idea is to compete in four competitions – hopefully the Europa League, Premier League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup,” said De Zerbi.

“It will be tougher for sure, and I think we might lose some big players who deserve to go for other targets in other teams. But we will bring in other big players and arrive ready to compete in four competitions. We will play to win, to show our quality and our style in every competition and we can’t lose our DNA. In Europe if we play against big teams we won’t forget our style.”

De Zerbi said he was delighted for chairman Tony Bloom just six years after the club won promotion to the Premier League.

02:26

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PL Highlights: Albion 3 Southampton 1

“Tony Bloom is the first fan of Brighton and I know Tony and the club don’t want to lose this level; You have to work harder when you are winning than when you are losing. It’s not good if Brighton lose this level in these next two years.

“Now is the crucial period for the club, not for Roberto and the players but for the club. We have to keep this level, to build a squad to improve our level."

The Italian is looking forward to the challenges which lie ahead. “It’s an honour to work here,” he added. “I have never thought to go back to Italy or another Premier League team. I want to stay, I am enjoying working with these players and the people inside the club a lot.”