Brighton and Hove Albion is on a high after securing a 1-1 draw against this season’s champions, Manchester City. It was a frenetic game at the Amex Stadium, and a stunning goal by Julio Enciso cancelled out Phil Foden’s opener.
Prior to the game, Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola showered praise on his opposite number, Roberto De Zerbi. Speaking to Sky Sports, Guardiola described the 43-year-old Italian as “one of the most influential managers” of the last two decades. De Zerbi, in turn, responded by stating that he regards Guardiola as still being the best coach in the world and cited him as the inspiration that led him to become a coach.
“I became a coach because of him,” De Zerbi gushed. “I loved his Barcelona and I studied him a lot. I took [things from him] and when I started to be a coach, before and after I finished as a player. Pep is still No. 1.”
The draw against Guardiola’s team secured Brighton’s sixth-place finish in the Premier League. Next year, the team will have the opportunity to participate in the Europa League. De Zerbi credits the team’s success to the players’ “courage” in going head-to-head with Manchester City.
“It was very tough,” De Zerbi said. “We played very well, we deserved to make our point – and we deserved to play in the Europa League.”
De Zerbi also praised Enciso’s equaliser, describing it as “incredible”. He admitted that he did not initially believe that a Europa League finish was possible when he took the position in September, following Graham Potter’s departure. De Zerbi noted that it took time to understand and analyse the team and players.
Meanwhile, Guardiola expressed admiration for Brighton. “Exceptional game,” he said, commending the team for qualifying for the Europa League. “This team destroy the other opponents, the way they play, and they did in certain moments tonight.” Guardiola added that despite celebrating soon after their Premier League triumph, he did not see any drop in intensity from his players.
Liam Rosenior, former Brighton defender and current Hull City manager, described De Zerbi as an “absolute genius” after the game. “What De Zerbi is doing with this Brighton team is something different, something new in provoking the press in the way they build. They scored again from the goalkeeper tonight,” he said.
Overall, the match was a testament to good sportsmanship and great coaching. De Zerbi, Guardiola, and the players deserve praise for their efforts. The Premier League will undoubtedly be excited to see what Brighton does next season as they play in the Europa League.
