Brighton emerged last year as the team to watch in the Premier League. Already quite appealing under Graham Potter, who later moved to Chelsea, the team underwent a significant change with the appointment of Roberto De Zerbi last summer. The Italian coach managed to transform the team, reminiscent of his tenure at Sassuolo.
Brighton & Hove Albion, just a few years ago, was a name barely known outside of the UK. Though a familiar face in the Premier League, the English club has taken a new direction since 2019 with the arrival of Graham Potter as the team’s head. The English coach established an attractive and exciting style of play that lifted the team to the top tier before succumbing to the allure of Chelsea in September 2022. A golden contract, especially since Chelsea paid 25 million euros. But Brighton may not have lost out by letting Potter go. The board had a clear idea for his successor: Roberto De Zerbi. Free from any contract after his term with Shakhtar Donetsk, the 43-year-old Italian seized the chance to join the world’s best league, challenging top managers like Pep Guardiola, Mikel Arteta, and Jürgen Klopp. And his first season was more than successful!
Over the years, Roberto De Zerbi has become one of the most respected coaches in Europe. With a playing philosophy centered around ball possession, high pressing, and creating offensive opportunities, he has stamped his mark on every club he has managed. His innovative approach and ability to enhance player performance earned him international acclaim, placing him amongst Europe’s coaching elite. His domestic and international achievements, coupled with his passion for modern football, solidify his stance amongst the continent’s top tacticians.
Ansu Fati Joins Brighton
At the end of the 2022-2023 season, Brighton finished in 6th place, clinching a Europa League spot and ending above clubs like Aston Villa, Tottenham, Chelsea, and West Ham. This fantastic performance was attributed to players who shone brightly like Mitoma and especially Caïcedo, who was sold to Chelsea this summer for 130 million euros. The Seagulls quickly embraced and implemented Roberto De Zerbi’s playing principles, making Brighton one of the most delightful teams to watch in the Premier League. A true sensation. And naturally, expectations are high for 2023-2024, especially since the Seagulls confirmed the signing of Ansu Fati, the former Barcelona prodigy, aiming to revitalize his career.
Today, the face of this “small” English club has changed considerably, as Brighton is now a contender for Europe this season. Current online betting trends suggest that Brighton is projected to finish in 5th place by the end of the 38th matchday on May 5th. De Zerbi’s squad is expected to trail Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool, and Tottenham but lead other prestigious teams like Manchester United, Chelsea, and Newcastle. Even though Brighton has resources, the aforementioned three clubs have vast resources to excel at the very top. It remains to be seen how the Italian coach manages his team this season, especially integrating Ansu Fati. If the Barcelona loanee gels seamlessly, Brighton could be a tough team to beat, in both the Premier League and the Europa League.