Despite Brighton and Hove Albion’s injury concerns, De Zerbi is confident.
Jim van Wijk says that tomorrow’s visit from Bournemouth by Dunk, Gross, and Milner is in doubt.
Roberto De Zerbi, the manager of Brighton and Hove Albion, thinks his team has enough leaders to step up and take the place of captain Lewis Dunk.
De Zerbi spoke as Brighton was ready to play again in the Premier League following their first-ever competitive European match.
The Seagulls’ Europa League campaign got off to a rough start when they were defeated 3-2 by AEK Athens on Thursday night (September 21) at the Amex Stadium.
Dunk had been a constant so far this season, but his absence was apparent as Brighton suffered two set-piece defeats.
The England defender may again be sidelined for Bournemouth’s visit tomorrow (Sunday, September 24) after developing an unidentified muscular complaint during the victory at Manchester United last weekend.
Pascal Gross led the team on Thursday, but like James Milner, the midfielder is still being examined for his own muscle problem.
De Zerbi, however, is certain that the dressing room has sufficient quality to cover.
We can’t take a chance (on Dunk), especially at this point in the season, he remarked. We need to select a new leader. We have two strong leaders: Danny Welbeck and Pascal Gross.
One of the best leaders in the dressing room is Adam Webster. Every game he played when he was active was played well.
“Then, because we have so many young players, such as Billy Gilmour, Mahmoud Dahoud, and Pervis Estupinan, they must develop their leadership skills. Despite his youth, he possesses the necessary experience to succeed as a leader.
Evan Ferguson, who missed Thursday’s game due to illness while on loan, might make a comeback. After making his first start against AEK, Barcelona striker Ansu Fati will be hoping for another opportunity.
De Zerbi made seven changes from the team that triumphed at Old Trafford because he understands that the added workload this year must be distributed equally on and off the field.
He said: “We are not used to playing three games (in a week). West Ham last year were in the (Europa) Conference League and Liverpool the Champions League but we are not used to it.
“We have to change and we have to put everyone in. We have to adapt, not only the players but also the people who work inside (the club) – we have not so many days off. We have to organise not only one game but three games.
“We can’t put the focus only on the game for tomorrow – with the attitude and attention yes – but we have work thinking we play every three days. It is totally different.”
De Zerbi told a press conference: “We wanted to reach the Europa League and now we need to push (on in the season) without too many words.
“We have to be proud to play in Europe like we did on Thursday.
“Everyone can lose a game but, after a defeat, we have to restart again with the same passion and attitude because we will have to win many more games.”
Brighton and Hove Albion v Bournemouth is due to kick off at 2pm tomorrow at Falmer.
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