Brighton Head Coach, Roberto De Zerbi has hailed his Seagulls as “incredible” for achieving European qualification.
Two first-half goals from Evan Ferguson and Pascal Gross’ 69th minute strike saw Brighton secure a comfortable victory at home to Southampton, which ultimately sealed European qualification with the Seagulls now beyond the reach of eighth-placed Tottenham Hotspur.
This success marked the first time that Brighton have qualified for an UEFA competition and reflecting upon that achievement, De Zerbi commented: “It’s incredible. One of the best days in my career and I am really proud to be the coach of this club with these players and these fans. We won together.
“I can’t explain my emotions but I can say my players are a of very high level, they are fantastic players and fantastic people. They deserve to qualify for Europe.”
De Zerbi proceeded to admit that having succeeded Graham Potter in mid-September, he didn’t believe European qualification was achievable until mid-February after a 1-1 draw away at Crystal Palace.
Explaining why that match specifically made him believe that their historic achievement was plausible despite their hectic run-in, the Italian said: “After the game with Palace away I understood it could be a season where we could achieve an historic target which then was the Champions League.
“We didn’t win the game, but my players were very sad in the dressing room. I spoke with them after the game and it was then I understood the character of my players.
“In April and May we have played 14 games and we have endured a very tough period and lost a lot of players to injury, but when you have something inside you push yourself to your target.”
“Ferguson’s improvement has been incredible,” continued De Zerbi as he turned his attention to the 18 year-old’s latest exploits which saw the Irish striker achieve 10 goals in all competitions this season, with two games left of the Seagulls’ campaign to come.
Applauding Ferguson’s attitude and how he plus other young players have benefitted from experienced players, De Zerbi concluded: “He’s playing like an old player but he is only 18.
“There is a good dressing room with the mentality to help all our younger players, Gilmour, Colwill, Enciso and Buonanotte – we are a very strong team.”
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