Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi told BBC Sport. “We didn’t play well. We deserved to lose the game. We know how difficult this moment is.
“We’re going through a very tough period, we’ve had a lot of injuries, we’ve played a lot of games, but we knew before the season started that this season was going to be very tough. The level has changed. It’s a challenge for us.”
“I understand if I can maintain this level. To maintain this level, I have to push every day, every game, play a lot of competitions.
“This is a challenge for us and sometimes we have to show if we can maintain this level or if we can go back to playing one day a week.
“In tough times you have to show ability, character and passion. Otherwise you won’t be able to maintain this level.”
On Thursday’s Europa League match against Roma“I have a lot of confidence in the players.
“First of all, on a human level, I know there will be a reaction if we lose this game.
“I don’t know if we’re going to lose or win on Thursday, but I’m sure we’ll play with a different attitude, energy and character.
“We deserve to be in the last eight of the Europa League. Last season we performed miracles so we definitely want to play our way.”
