Midfielder, James Milner is “excited” to get the chance to work with “an exciting manager” in Roberto De Zerbi at Brighton.
With the summer transfer window now open for registration of domestic signings, Milner was confirmed as one of Brighton’s first signings alongside Joao Pedro.
“I was fortunate to have a few offers on the table, but Brighton really excited me,” commented Milner who at 37 years-old had the option of retiring as a player.
He however has opted to continue his playing career and praised Brighton for their progress, as he continued: “You look at the journey the club has been on in both the short term and long term, it’s really impressive.
“The football Brighton play is outstanding, with a great group of players and an exciting manager.”
Milner added that he has had conversations with De Zerbi and can’t wait to get playing under the Italian, as he said: “He’s an exciting manager, he’s really passionate, forward thinking and has a fantastic way of setting up his team. He’s someone who is confident in himself and loves his team.”
The ex Liverpool midfielder also spoke of his belief that De Zerbi could be held in the esteem as Jurgen Klopp in future, despite currently lacking “the experience of Jurgen yet,” but is buoyed by feedback from various professionals about his new boss.
Milner even acknowledged De Zerbi’s impact within just eight months since he took charge in mid-September 2022, as he said: “You see what a good job he has done in his relatively short time at Brighton, the way his players work and that was very attractive to me.
“I want to broaden my knowledge and gain experience under a new manager and that was a big pull. You always want to learn and improve.”
With his playing career slowly approaching its end, Milner admitted that he has “no idea what my next step is after my playing days,” despite having done his coaching badges which opens up a career in club management once he retires.
Milner therefore has welcomed the opportunity to learn from De Zerbi, as he concluded: “I’ve been really lucky with some of the managers I have worked under in the last 20 years, I have got to learn from Jurgen Klopp for the last eight years, who is one of the best.
“Sometimes though it’s good to have the option to have a change and work under someone different and build my knowledge.”
Leave a Reply