Brighton coach Roberto De Zerbi says he ‘lives’ for football, ahead of their Europa League last 16 match with Roma. The Giallorossi will look to use their home advantage in the first leg and speaking in his pre-match presser, De Zerbi pointed to the mentality of Italian coaches and the changes in approach:
“I always spoke in general about the typical mentality of Italian tradition, but if we talk about the last championships, I believe that the reality is very different from 10-15 years ago,” he remarked. He highlighted the progressive approaches of coaches like Gian Piero Gasperini, Italiano, and Thiago Motta, emphasizing the coaching potential embodied by players such as De Rossi.
“I don’t consider myself a genius, nor better than others,” De Zerbi continued. “Certainly, I am not afraid of work, and I do not lack the courage to do things that others do not do, which can be right or wrong. I live for football; this is the difference that is making my career.”
Regarding De Rossi, De Zerbi expressed deep admiration for his friend and former teammate. “I respect De Rossi because he is my friend; we are very similar as people,” he stated, revealing the personal connection between their families. He underlined Brighton’s determination to compete against the likes of Roma, despite their lack of experience in European football, emphasizing their pride in their journey thus far. “We are not just playing for the quarter-finals; we are playing because we are writing history and doing something unthinkable,” De Zerbi declared, reflecting the team’s ambition.
Discussing the challenge of playing at the Stadio Olimpico, De Zerbi acknowledged the magnitude of the occasion. “We will see tomorrow if the stadium will intimidate us or not,” he remarked, drawing upon past experiences of playing in prestigious arenas like Old Trafford and the Stade Vélodrome.
The press conference concluded on a personal note as De Zerbi spoke about his daughter’s allegiance amidst friendships with players’ families. “My daughter supports me, that’s clear,” he affirmed, revealing the familial pride accompanying their return to Italy.
