I’m not afraid – Roberto De Zerbi convinced he has nothing to fear at Brighton

Posted Wednesday, October 19, 2022 by PA

Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi said experiencing the war in Ukraine means he has nothing to fear in football after a frustrating goalless draw with lowly Nottingham Forest prompted a smattering of boos.

Albion controlled the contest at the Amex Stadium and struck the crossbar through Leandro Trossard but remain without a win since the Italian replaced Graham Potter four games ago.

Pascal Gross was denied a late winner by a superb stop from Forest goalkeeper Dean Henderson, before some of the Seagulls’ frustrated fans jeered the stalemate at the full-time whistle.

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De Zerbi, who left his role as Shakhtar Donetsk manager following the Russian invasion, was happy with the dominant display but conceded his side need a greater attacking threat following three games without a goal.

“I enjoy a lot (the performance); I am sorry for the result,” said De Zerbi, who has taken two points from a possible 12.

“I say the same words to the players. I say, ‘thank you’ to the players because they played a fantastic game.

“OK, we have to improve the last 25 metres and we have to work. But I cannot say anything more.

“I stayed five days inside the war and I’m not afraid of football. Normally I am sorry for the result because in four games only two points is not too much.”

Brighton recorded 70 per cent possession and 19 attempts at goal on Tuesday evening, while struggling Forest failed to register an effort on target en route to climbing off the bottom of the table.

De Zerbi’s difficult start to life in English football continues with a weekend trip to champions Manchester City, before former Seagulls boss Potter returns to the south coast with Chelsea a week later.

The 43-year-old knows a swift upturn in results is required.