Roberto De Zerbi looked back at his first year with Brighton and Hove Albion, admitting that he’s ‘living a dream’ with the club.
The 44-year-old Italian coach took over at the Seagulls last September following Graham Potter’s departure, giving him the chance to prove himself at the highest level following his brief spell with Shakhtar Donetsk.
De Zerbi shined in his first year at the helm, guiding Brighton to a sixth-place finish in the Premier League. The Seagulls have started the new season in equally impressive form, winning four of their first five outings.
Speaking to Brighton’s media department, De Zerbi first looked back at his last 12 months with Brighton, remembering the best moments of his time in the dugout.
“I’m very proud of this first year here. It’s an unbelievable experience, it’s not over yet, my focus is still on this season but if I remember the first period last year and compare it to now, I’m very proud. The first game with Liverpool, at Anfield, was one of the best days of my career.
“I have to thank the club and the fans, as well as my players and the people who work here because I can’t forget how they treated me. We didn’t win, like against Nottingham, but the performances were good.
“I remember the Chelsea game, we won by scoring a lot, playing a great game. The crucial game was the game in terms of the result, but if we talk about mentality, I think the game against City was the most important game of our journey.”
He touched on the growth of his squad and what he tries to teach them.
“I don’t know if I helped the players or put more pressure on them, but as a coach I have to adapt and transmit passion with my behaviour and what I do. The DNA of the team is always the same.
“My idea of football is one that I believe makes it easier to get results, as well as making the fans happy.
“We want to play with courage, we started with these ideas and then we can also lose, but we have to do it by showing our qualities and trying to win in all competitions.”
Finally, De Zerbi discussed his opinion of his coaching career and what comes next.
“I think I’m a good coach, but I know I can improve. I have a lot of confidence in myself. I still don’t know everything I would like to know. The improvement in football is not finished yet. I’m living a dream.
“Sometimes I wonder if everything that is happening is real, if I really am in the Premier League. We won with Liverpool, with United, with Newcastle, are you sure it’s not a dream? It’s crazy but for me it’s beautiful.”