Roberto De Zerbi calls on Brighton to ‘change club history’ in their historic FA Cup semi-final against Manchester United as the Seagulls look to claim their FIRST EVER victory at Wembley
Roberto De Zerbi has told his players they have a chance to change the club’s history in the FA Cup semi-final against Manchester United.
Homeless, facing relegation from the Football League and on the brink of late-90s obscurity, Brighton are now one of the most admired clubs in the country, in their second semi-final in five years and, for many, favorites to reach this season’s showpiece, the club’s first FA Cup final since 1983.
Knowing full well where Brighton comes from, the Zerbi said: ‘We’d like to change history. We want the fans to be proud of these players, these players are different from other teams because they feel the importance of the fans. They play for the fans. Of course we want to make our fans happy.’
Manchester United’s chaotic exit from the Europa League at Sevilla, coupled with their defensive struggles, has led many bookmakers to believe that Brighton will emerge victorious at Wembley.
The Zerbi has a similar confidence in his players.
Roberto De Zerbi has history in his sights as Brighton prepares for a trip to Wembley
Brighton are having a sweltering season under De Zerbi, with silverware and Europe still in play
The Seagulls last reached the FA Cup final 40 years ago, where they faced opponents on Sunday
He said: ‘I trust my players. I don’t want you to think I’m arrogant because I’m not arrogant. I think we can win the game because I believe in my players. I know very well the quality of Manchester United’s players and I respect them. I think it will be a difficult match, but also for them.’
And he insisted that the favorites tag wasn’t something that would be inconvenient for him and his players.
“They can’t put too much pressure on me because I don’t feel any pressure. Same for my players. “They like the pressure. When do you have the pressure? If you play another game. “An important or very important match. This is when you feel pressure. Pressure is an important thing in the game. We have to adapt and love these games in terms of importance and pressure.”
The Brighton players are doing just that now, with their faith only growing under De Zerbi. They beat Manchester United on the opening day of the season under the management of his predecessor Graham Potter.
Under the Italian, they’ve added the scalps of Chelsea and Liverpool, twice each, and Arsenal.
Danny Wellbeck – who scored against Chelsea – is one of the players his manager chose
Pascal Gross’ new contract gave the Italian a huge boost as he plans for next season
Although De Zerbi received a lot of praise, he said: “I’m lucky enough to work with great players because the coaches don’t matter how much [in the way] you think.
“In any situation if I explain something tactical, something mentality, something about other things, they understand. They show me on the field the day after that they follow me in terms of mentality.
“There are a lot of players – Lewis Dunk, Pascal Gross, Adam Webster, Jason Steele, Joel Veltman, Danny Welbeck – they helped me, they had to follow me and convince the other teammates that we can compete for higher goals, but it’s not only my work.
‘One team is a team, is a good team, is a strong team if all the people are working in the same direction. Not just the coach.’