Brighton & Hove Albion’s head coach, Roberto De Zerbi, said the 4-0 loss to Roma was a lesson for everyone at the club, including chairman Tony Bloom.
First-half goals from Paulo Dybala and Romelu Lukaku placed the visitors on the ropes at the Stadio Olimpico, and worse was to come after the break, with Gianluca Mancini and Bryan Cristante scoring in quick succession to effectively end the tie.
Speaking after the match, De Zerbi stated that the unpleasant loss made it plain to everyone at the club, from chairman Bloom to the players and himself, on how they must better in the future.
“Today, we paid for our mistakes. From the owners to the coaches to the players.”
The Italian, who led Albion to the Europa League for the first time in club history, added: “We created a lot of chances – perhaps in the same number – but Roma played with a different speed and habits to win the game.” It’s Brighton’s first appearance in the Europa League final 16 – it’s a significant step for us, but I know we played 20% less than our ability.
“Now our attention is on Nottingham Forest [on Sunday]. We need to keep progressing if we want to compete in the Premier League for the remainder of the season.”
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