Roberto De Zerbi believes Kenilworth Road is the most difficult ground for any Premier League team to visit this season.
The head coach covered a range of topics in his press conference on Monday. As well as Luton, he discussed Billy Gilmour and Facundo Buonanotte.
How tough is Luton away?
“Playing in Luton’s stadium is one of the toughest games in the Premier League this season because they have a great intensity, especially at home. People think Brighton have to win, and it’s normal if Brighton win, but in the Premier League and in football if you want to win you have to push until the end.
“Arsenal and Manchester City won the game at the end [against Luton], I watched both games and they were very difficult games for both teams.”
How impressed have you been with Billy Gilmour?
“We are playing very well, we are doing something maybe better than last season because of two great players in Billy Gilmour and JP van Hecke. Without these two players we couldn’t play this way and we couldn’t get these results.
"Billy is becoming good enough to be able to play at a higher level. JP and Facundo are starting to follow this way, the same way. We are so happy.”
How much you have had to do with Joao Pedro’s form?
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“Nothing, Joao Pedro’s DNA is of a top player. We try to help him to progress, to be better. But not the coaches, it’s the players and the dressing room is the secret of Brighton - it is great.
“Pascal Gross, Lewis Dunk, [Danny] Welbeck, [Joel] Veltman, [Adam] Webster, [James] Milner and [Adam] Lallana – if you are a good guy, if you have good behaviour, you will learn from these players.”
Facundo Buonanotte scored a wonderful goal at the weekend. How has he done in your opinion recently?
“I am really pleased for his improvement. He’s becoming a good player and his qualities are clear. But in football you have to show that every day and in all games.
“I gave him the chance to show he is ready. I understand when it can be the right moment for a young player to play, but they have to be ready, to be smart and to use the moment. In this moment he is improving and he is making a difference.”