Roberto De Zerbi wants some pain relief – in the form of a clean sheet at the Etihad.

The Albion head coach said he feels bad when he sees some of the goals his side have conceded this season.

They were hit for six in their most recent away league game at Aston Villa and have conceded ten goals in three matches in all competitions.

De Zerbi said: “My focus is on the clean sheet. I feel pain when I watch the goals we are conceding.

“It is too many. Luton, Wolverhampton and Newcastle at home, we concede three goals [from] nothing.

“In Villa Park, it was a very tough day. Now we have conceded 16 I think. It is too many.

“We are very good when we attack but the great teams score a lot of goals and concede not so many goals.

“We have to improve for sure. We are working in tactical disposition and situations.”

De Zerbi’s defence at City will be built around Lewis Dunk, who shone for England against Australia.

The Seagulls boss said: “I wrote him a message after the game.

“I am happy for (Levi) Colwill as well because he was my former player.”