Roberto De Zerbi slams Brighton’s crowded fixture list as he claims his side ‘are not ready to compete’ with Unai Emery’s side after 6-1 defeat to Aston Villa
- Brighton gell to a 6-1 defeat at Villa Park after an Ollie Watkins hat-trick
- Roberto De Zerbi has slammed his team for their poor performance
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Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi said their 6-1 defeat at Aston Villa was evidence they can’t contend with a crowded fixture list.
The Seagulls are in Europe this season and their trip to Villa Park was sandwiched between a Carabao Cup tie at Chelsea and game against Mostar on Thursday.
‘Everything went wrong. We played very bad,’ admitted the Italian who made three substitutions at half-time with his team trailing 3-0.
‘The biggest responsibility is with the coach but secondly we are not ready to compete and play every three days.
‘I am trying to manage different ways to keep physical energy but that is not enough. In football you also need the best mentality. You can lose games but you can’t lose every duel and second ball.
Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi said their 6-1 defeat at Aston Villa was evidence they can’t contend with a crowded fixture list
The Seagulls are in Europe this season and their trip to Villa Park was sandwiched between a Carabao Cup tie at Chelsea and game against Mostar on Thursday
De Zerbi now has to lift his team before their first away game in the Europa League having been beaten at home by AEK Athens
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‘We wanted to reach the European League last season but playing Saturday and Saturday and Saturday is one kind of sport, playing every three days is another sport.
‘We are not ready to compete at this level.
‘You can lose in this way if you’re not ready. This could be one of the most important learning curves in my time at the club.’
Brighton were a defensive mess at Villa Park with Ansu Fati’s first goal for the club their only consolation.
De Zerbi now has to lift his team before their first away game in the Europa League having been beaten at home by AEK Athens.
‘I believe in my players. I have a big confidence in the people inside of my dressing room, they were suffering a lot for this defeat,’ he said.
‘We are sorry for our fans and our club but sometimes it can happen. On Thursday you will see another Brighton.’
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