Interviews

De Zerbi's focus is already on next season

By Bruce Talbot • 29 May 2023

By Paul Hazlewood
Roberto De Zerbi salutes the fans as a memorable season ends at Villa Park.

Roberto De Zerbi admitted the end of the best season in our history is ‘bad news’ for Albion’s hardworking head coach.

The Italian’s focus will now turn to preparing for the new season and adding to the squad so they are capable of challenging in four competitions next season, including the Europa League for the first time.

“The season is finished which is bad news for me - it’s difficult! I will now work with Tony Bloom and the club to improve the squad. This season was fantastic, and we have to try and repeat it," he said.

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De Zerbi's Aston Villa verdict

The head coach was speaking after Albion ended the season with a 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa on Sunday with Deniz Undav scoring his fifth goal in eight games.

De Zerbi believes that Alexis Mac Allister and Moises Caicedo are capable of playing for the best clubs in the world after an emotional end in front of 3000 travelling fans.

“I love them and they are two big players for us,” he said. “I think they can play in big European teams but I don’t know what will happen in the future.

“But for Brighton, I think we can still improve and bring in other good players, from inside the club and through the transfer market. Next season we will play in four competitions and the Premier League will be tougher and we have to improve. The result we achieved this season was incredible and we have the dream to improve it next season.”