Albion have traveled to the eternal city of Rome for their first knockout match in European play.
Unfortunately, Joao Pedro, the competition’s top scorer, will miss the first leg of the Europa League round of 16. The Brazilian is still dealing with a thigh injury and is anticipated to return during the next international break, with a possible return date of March 31 against Liverpool.
James Milner is also injured, and Kaoru Mitoma, Jack Hinshelwood, and Solly March are all set to miss the remainder of the season.
In his pre-match press conference, De Zerbi was asked about Albion’s injury difficulties. He replied, “We can either cry and complain or try and compete.” I have stated to my players that I do not want to hear complaints.
“We’ll give it a go. We’ll be humble. We know what we did over the last year and a half. This is unparalleled for our club, and we are creating history.”
The Italian expressed his satisfaction in bringing the club he has made history with to the city where he was born.
De Zerbi stated, “I am very delighted to be back in my nation with my squad.
“This is a team I genuinely enjoy. This is a team that can be defeated 3-0 but always comes back. They play with pride and hunger, and I am incredibly pleased of this team.”
Daniele De Rossi, Roma’s head coach, described De Zerbi as a genius in his own press conference.
In response, De Zerbi stated, “I do not consider myself a genius, but rather superior to others. It is true if I try something new without worrying about the negative consequences.
When asked if Brighton will be nervous about playing in the imposing Stadio Olimpico, the Albion manager replied, “We’ll see about the stadium tomorrow.
“We won away games against Ajax and Athens.” It will be a test, but the audience should give us an extra boost. This is the team that most closely resembles me in terms of dignity.
“Tomorrow’s game is no more important that Sunday’s game against Nottingham [Forest].”
Although this is the Seagulls’ first appearance in a knockout European match, De Zerbi had previously managed FC Shakhtar Donetsk.
“True first time for Brighton not the first time for me,” he added. “It will be a 180-minute encounter. We have to achieve the correct balance of being ourselves while also remembering that it does not end when the last whistle blows.
Regarding the idea of returning to Italy one day, De Zerbi stated: “I do what makes me happy, and right now I am happy where I am.” It makes me joyful both when we win and when we lose. I plan to return to Italy one day, but I’m not sure when.”
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