Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi urged his players to “dream and reach Europe” after beating Bournemouth 2-0 at the Vitality Stadium.
Goals from Evan Ferguson and substitute Julio Encison saw Brighton secure a comfortable win against the Cherries on Tuesday (April 4), meaning the Seagulls are currently sixth in the Premier League and four points clear of fourth-placed Tottenham :
However, Brighton next face Spurs on Saturday 8 April with a 3pm BST kick-off, knowing a win would potentially move them just one point off the top four with two games in hand; there will be three games soon. FA Cup semi-finals: April 22-23.
“We have to keep our humility but we want to dream and reach Europe,” commented De Zerbi on what Brighton’s players need to do to finish in the top four.
The Italian went on to reiterate that it is important the players “believe” in that potential achievement, while admitting he is sure they share that belief too, coming off the performance against Bournemouth.
De Zerbi, however, added that he was pleased with his side’s performance last night in a tough test at Tottenham on Saturday, as he said: “It was a very difficult game, but a great win. It was a great performance, the players were fantastic.
“I’m very happy with the quality of the game and the mentality, because we knew before that it was going to be a very difficult game.
“Maybe we made too many mistakes because we could have scored more goals, but I’m really happy with my players.”
Albion will also build on their unbeaten away form since losing 2-1 at Manchester City at the end of October, as they have won seven and drawn four in all competitions, barring a goalless draw in the fourth after their Carabao Cup exit at Charlton. Round.
De Zerbi, however, felt that “Brighton are also playing very well at home” but believes that “there is more space away from home but my players have fantastic character to play our way away from home as they do at our stadium “.