Roberto De Zerbi ready for big tests with Brighton

The Seagulls go to Chelsea today for their third tough away game in little more than a week.

He schedule does not let up in the coming weeks.

Asked how his squad will tackle that, Albion boss De Zerbi said: “With passion and qualities.

“The most important quality of Brighton is playing with soul, with passion, with courage.

“We must always try to be a protagonist, especially in difficulty.

“It’s a big opportunity for us this period, we have an important game and on Wednesday another very tough game with Brentford at home, then Burnley at home and then the final Europa League game.

“It’s not enough to qualify, we want to finish top of the gable in the Europa League.

“We are playing, not better, but we are doing better than last year.

“After 13 games we have 22 points.

“After five games in the Europa League we have ten points.

“We have only lost one game in the last ten and that was to Manchester City.

“Sometimes you forget that Brighton is the only team to have lost three important players, but we’re keeping the same level as last season.

“Others didn’t sell anyone and only bought. Brighton sold three important players and kept the same level in a very difficult situation in terms of injuries, in terms of games in a row.

“The secret of Brighton, is not the coach, it’s not the players, not the club or owner.

“The secret is to keep this passion, this attitude, soul and courage. There aren’t other secrets.”

Albion regrouped at training yesterday after arriving back in England at about 4am on Friday.

De Zerbi said: “Winning helped. It’s important, we have to adapt to this period.

“In football it’s normal to suffer. There are many teams with injuries.

“Brighton are not used to playing in the Europa League, but Brighton have stayed and it has been an honour to reach the Europa League.

“In the future it could be easier for us if we have the chance to play another season in European competition, it could be totally different.”