Roberto De Zerbi is set for end-of-season talks with Brighton owner Tony Bloom over how to take the club forward, with the Italian wanting greater control in the market to allow the Seagulls to compete on all fronts
- The Seagulls remain in contention to qualify for Europe via the Premier League
- But Roberto De Zerbi’s men have a gruelling schedule of eight games in 30 days
- And he wants greater control in the market to close the gap to teams above
Roberto De Zerbi is planning talks with Brighton owner Tony Bloom to understand how Brighton can build on their performances this season.
The Seagulls remain in contention to qualify for Europe via the Premier League after losing the FA Cup semi-final to Manchester United, but face a ferocious schedule of eight games in 30 days before the end of the season.
Mail Sport revealed in March that Brighton’s transfer policy has caused a degree of tension behind the scenes, with De Zerbi – who talked about changing ‘the mentality’ – keen for greater control over recruitment.
Brighton’s method is to leave player trading to others – and their model is admired across Europe.
‘We can’t forget we are Brighton, when we win and especially when we lose,’ said De Zerbi, whose side were beaten 3-1 at Nottingham Forest on Wednesday. ‘I am proud of my players.
Roberto De Zerbi (right) is planning talks with Brighton owner Tony Bloom (left) to understand how Brighton can build on their performances this season
Seagulls remain in contention to qualify for Europe but have a gruelling schedule next month
‘For other discussions we will speak with Tony at the end of the season. We are not used to playing so many games, this is the truth.
‘We can fight to achieve our target, we deserve to fight to reach it but the situation is tough. We have a lot of very good young players, but young players need to play to make mistakes. You have to give them time to progress and improve.
‘The big teams are used to playing at different times, in different conditions. We are working for that, and I think we can reach that level. I am speaking with Tony.’
De Zerbi is believed to have wanted greater backing in January to push for European football, even the top four. Brighton spent about £9million on midfielders Facundo Buonanotte and Yasin Ayari, though they hung on to Moises Caicedo in the face of interest from Arsenal and Chelsea.
De Zerbi is hugely admired in his native Italy, where Juventus, AC Milan and Inter Milan may all change coaches this summer. Tottenham are also looking for a new boss while there could be movement at both Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid.
