Roberto De Zerbi has stated that he has no plans to depart from Brighton at the end of the season and expressed his delight upon receiving compliments from Pep Guardiola.
The 43-year-old Italian coach, who took over at Brighton in September after Graham Potter’s departure to Chelsea, has enjoyed success with the team. He led them to the FA Cup semi-finals and notable Premier League victories over Chelsea and Liverpool. There are rumors linking him to the head coach positions at Inter and Roma. Both of which may be available in the summer.
“I can’t wait to play the FA Cup semi-final against Manchester United. I will try to enjoy this day tomorrow at Wembley.
“Here the FA Cup is very important, it is given a different value compared to our Coppa Italia. 36,000 people will come from Brighton, we hope to do everything to make it go well.”
De Zerbi spoke about how well he’s settled into life with the Seagulls.
Brighton might have a tough job keeping their manager
“I am lucky to work here. I found a group of players already used to playing with courage, already used to changing form within the match. And then obviously I put a bit of my own into it because it’s clear that I struggle to mimic others.
“Here too I had to be myself and I must say that I had a very important response from the players. I am convinced that the players count more than the coach. The coaches can give organisation, confidence, mentality, style of play and more. But then the results always come from the players.”
De Zerbi was asked regarding the statement made by Pep Guardiola, who claimed that Brighton were the best team when it came to building up play from the back.
“I am also pleased because he has won something. I’m pleased to receive his compliments, but I think as long as Guardiola is coaching it will be difficult to do anything with the ball better than he does.”
De Zerbi was also asked about the market rumors and if he’d be in talks with Inter and Roma.
“My history shows, I don’t move depending on important or less important offers. I haven’t spoken to anyone. But I think that in this moment for my path, for my life, it’s important to stay here.
“I had to leave Shakhtar after eight months and I did it reluctantly and to leave Brighton after the same amount of time would seem to me like not getting the job done.
“My will is to stay, then I will have to talk to the club and discuss what they expect, what they want, what their ambitions are. I won’t put my hand on it, but my will is to stay.”
De Zerbi reveals his love for AC Milan
De Zerbi spoke about his love for Milan.
“I grew up at Milan, I lived three years at Milanello and my football education comes from Milan, the real one, my football education comes from the Milan of Baresi, of Tassotti, of Maldini, of Boban, of Savicevic and of Costacurta.
“I’m a Brescia fan, but I’m grateful to Milan for what they gave me and how they brought me up. There is always an eye on them.”
He touched on his plans for the future.
“I don’t live for my career or what I have to win. And I want to feel good about myself and feel gratified with my work. I have received a lot from football, but I have also given a lot. On the scales we are equal, and I want to enjoy myself.
“I don’t want to move from Brighton. And then we’ll see what happens, also because sooner or later I will have to move. I’d like to go back to Italy one day. But I’d like to experience other things abroad, one in Germany and one in Brazil.”
