De Zerbi's First Year At Brighton: A Revolutionary Achievement

Roberto De Zerbi, the club's new head coach, had a fantastic debut season. Even Coach of the Year winner Pep Guardiola has noticed and praised the changes he's made to the team's play and reputation. [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="575"] Roberto De Zerbi, Brighton & Hove Albion Manager. | Independent.co.uk[/caption] De Zerbi has accomplished the following in his first year:

• Most shots in PL
• Most shots on target in PL
• Second highest possession in PL
• Third highest goals scored in PL

De Zerbi guided club to a 6th placed finish - securing Europa League for the first time in Brighton’s history.

Brighton had a very successful 2022–23 Premier League season despite the early departure of manager Graham Potter. The Seagulls have been on fire under new manager Roberto De Zerbi, climbing into the top half of the standings with more points than teams like Liverpool, Manchester United, and Chelsea. Under his bold leadership, Brighton got their best finish in the Premier League and their first spot in Europe. With two games remaining, Brighton secured a top-seven finish and a spot in the Europa League with a win at home against Southampton, who had been relegated. At Wembley Stadium in the 2022–23 season, Brighton played up against Manchester United in the FA Cup semi-finals. The Seagulls gave it their all and showed their mettle against one of the biggest clubs in the world, but ultimately fell in an exciting penalty shootout.

New Signees: Ansu Fati & João Pedro.

De Zerbi has been crucial in recruiting A-list players for the team. Ansu Fati, a forward for Barcelona, was reportedly a top target for Brighton, and De Zerbi played a pivotal role in the club's efforts to sign him. The 20-year-old forward, who had been linked with a loan deal to Tottenham, instead joined the Seagulls on a season-long loan move, with no obligation to buy, after inheriting Lionel Messi's number 10 jersey at the Camp Nou. Brighton also made permanent the signing of Brazilian forward Joo Pedro from Watford. In a 3–1 match against the Red Devils at Old Trafford on September 16, 2023, Joao Pedro scored off the bench.

De Zerbi revolutionizing a style of play and brand

Brighton's sixth-place position in 2022–23 and qualification for the UEFA Europa League comes in large part to De Zerbi's lively, possessive brand of football. For the first time in their history, they would be participating in European football competition. Under De Zerbi, Brighton's attacking players have excelled. For instance, in 77 total games, left winger Kaoru Mitoma has contributed 26 goals and 15 assists, and 18-year-old center striker Evan Ferguson has done the same. During his first year at Brighton, Roberto De Zerbi has excelled above anyone's wildest expectations. By recruiting elite players and leading the squad to its first ever European season, he has taken the club to new heights. De Zerbi's style of bustling attacking football has completely transformed the team's play and reputation. With De Zerbi at the helm, Brighton has a bright future.