Brighton Head Coach, Roberto De Zerbi believes that his team can challenge for European success next season.
Yesterday’s (21 May) 3-1 home win over Southampton meant that Brighton are guaranteed European football next season in either the Europa League or Europa Conference League, which De Zerbi hailed as an “incredible” achievement.
“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,” commented De Zerbi as he teased his ambitions for next season.
The Italian though has admitted that next season is set to be much harder, especially if key players like Moises Caicedo and Alexis Mac Allister are lured to big-name clubs this summer.
He nevertheless has vowed that the Seagulls won’t roll over next season as he said: “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 also acknowledged Brighton chairman, Tony Bloom for his work to constantly progress the club, as he added: “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.”
De Zerbi in-turn issued a warning towards himself and his players, as he continued: “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.”
Brighton’s achievement of European qualification also comes amidst a season disrupted by the World Cup, plus Graham Potter’s departure to join Chelsea in September which led to De Zerbi’s arrival and subsequent success.
De Zerbi consequently has admitted that managing Brighton is “an honour” and iterated that he doesn’t want to work elsewhere, as he concluded: “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.”
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