New Brighton coach Roberto De Zerbi highlighted a key difference between the Premier League and Serie A.
The 43-year-old Italian coach took over at the Seagulls back in September after previous coach Graham Potter left for Chelsea. De Zerbi has overseen eight Premier League matches so far on the south coast of England, picking up eight points from two wins and two draws. His exciting brand of football is already making a name for itself in England, a sign of his ability on the touchline.
Speaking to Sky Sports Italia, De Zerbi reflected on the differences between the Premier League and Serie A, and what he still needs to get used to.
“In the Premier League there’s a total lack of pressure on the players and in Italy, whatever division you’re in, you go into training camp the day before and it’s like going on a spiritual retreat.
“In England it’s a different world, there’s the day off, the day off in the middle of the week, which I find hard to accept because I feel like I’m losing a day’s work and instead for them it’s sacred.
“The great thing is that you learn that football can be experienced differently and not only in our way. This is not right, ours is not right, but they are different.”
The 43-year-old De Zerbi made a name for himself during his time with Sassuolo, where he averaged 1.38 points per match across 120 games.
The Italian coach’s quick, fluid brand of football has already been praised by Pep Guardiola, and it only looks to be a matter of time until his Brighton squad properly adapt to his system.