Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi has told Friday’s press conference – as per his club’s YouTube – that he is excited to manage for the first time at Elland Road against Leeds, and shared his admiration for Marcelo Bielsa.
It is the first time that the ex-Sassuolo gaffer will take his side to Elland Road. Leeds have found Brighton a bit of a bogey team since gaining promotion back to the Premier League. Losing three, drawing two against the Seagulls.
On Saturday, Javi Gracia will be hoping that record changes in what is his third Premier League match in charge. But, Brighton are in excellent form and pushing for a place in Europe – after beating West Ham last time out 4-0.
Asked about Leeds on Friday, Italian gaffer De Zerbi shared his anticipation of playing at Elland Road. He says he even watched a lot of Leeds during Bielsa’s reign. He says there are similarities between Bielsa’s Leeds, and now.
I am looking forward to playing at their stadium. I know the history of Leeds. One of my favourite coaches is Bielsa, I watched a lot of games when he worked at Leeds,” Brighton boss De Zerbi told media in Friday’s press conference.
“But if we want to continue to our dreams, we have to win tomorrow. They are aggressive, still aggressive like the Bielsa period. But they have changed the coach,” De Zerbi continued, ahead of Saturday. “They are a good team.”
De Zerbi excited to manage against Leeds and admires Bielsa
It is interesting to note that another successful Premier League manager is outspoken in his admiration of Bielsa. He joins the long list of gaffers who have learnt from the Argentine – adding to Mauricio Pochettino and Pep Guardiola.
There are certainly signs of Bielsa’s side in his Brighton team. High pressing, a focus on attacking football, attractive to watch. Leeds will be hoping that his Brighton side struggle to cope with the Elland Road atmosphere he mentions.
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