Brighton striker, Deniz Undav has credited Roberto De Zerbi for making him “a different Deniz!”
Having struggled for goals across much of this season, Undav has scored four goals in Brighton’s last seven matches in a late-season improvement for the 26 year-old German.
Reflecting on his late improvement, Undav explained that he “had a conversation” with De Zerbi after Brighton’s heartbreaking FA Cup exit on penalties to Manchester United in the semi-finals.
Undav admitted that the chat was “hard” yet one which ultimately “made it click in my head,” as he finally found confidence and form, especially with his teammate – Evan Ferguson sidelined with an ankle injury throughout the second-half of April.
The German consequently feels more confident as he credited De Zerbi for his development, as he commented: “I have got better and better and I’ve got some goals. I knew what he wanted from me and I was building my confidence quickly and that’s credit to him.
“He’s a gaffer who will tell you the truth to your face.”
Undav proceeded to applaud De Zerbi for his specific advice as he added: “He wanted me to give more energy because it looked like I wasn’t 100% into the game because of my body language.
“I was always like this so it’s difficult for me to change, but I have really tried and I think my high-intensity runs are higher than they were in the beginning.
“He wanted me to be confident enough to use my body and my strength in the game, to run at high intensity. I think I have improved since the beginning of the season – it’s a different Deniz! I have tried to get better and better every day.”
With Brighton set to compete in Europa League next season alongside domestic competitions, Undav could find himself playing a more crucial role which doesn’t faze him.
“I know where I am now, I know what he wants from me and now it’s my choice to be even better than I am now. To be more aggressive, this is what I am trying to do now.”
Undav even has his own supporter chant to the tune of Wham’s ‘Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go’ which coincidentally is a song that he is a huge fan of.
Addressing the crowd support in recent games, Undav said: “The supporters have shown me that they love me, it’s good for a player when they are singing about you. I have tried to give it back to them, I try to score, to make them and me happy, I hope they keep doing it!”
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