Brighton supervisor Roberto de Zerbi congratulated his gamers although their European debut fell flat however warned them they have to be “smarter” to keep away from a repeat of their 3-2 house defeat by Greek outfit AEK Athens.
So unlikely was the prospect of the aspect presently sixth within the Greek Tremendous League being victorious on the Amex that coach Matias Almeyda reported a few journalists had laughed when he stated within the build-up to the sport AEK “had been coming right here to win”.
Almeyda famous the pair weren’t in his viewers after the sport as AEK inflicted Brighton’s second lack of the season, simply 5 days after De Zerbi’s aspect had gone to Outdated Trafford and brought aside Manchester United.
“I congratulated the gamers afterwards,” stated De Zerbi. “I am unable to be glad once we win at Outdated Trafford and unhappy as we speak as a result of we misplaced if the performances had been each good.
“But when we wish to make one other improve, now we have to know the state of affairs the place we concede targets.
“We knew earlier than the sport, AEK have two conditions the place they will rating, set items and counter assault.”
Former Everton defender Djibril Sidibie and Mijat Gacinovic scored the guests’ first two targets from set items and substitute Ezequiel Ponce received the winner on the counter assault six minutes from the top of regular time, although there was then a further 13 minutes performed..
“We’ve to be extra focussed, with the correct perspective and extra good to defend the set items,” stated De Zerbi.
Brighton badly missed the affect of skipper Lewis Dunk, who reported a muscular downside within the aftermath of the Manchester United victory.
De Zerbi additionally confirmed striker Evan Ferguson had been despatched house due to sickness.
Joao Pedro equalised twice, on each events from the penalty spot, however De Zerbi felt the Brazilian ought to have completed higher with a 3rd alternative that might have put the hosts forward, as a substitute firing towards the goalkeeper.
With a visit to Marseille to come back in a fortnight earlier than back-to-back encounters with Ajax, Brighton have some work to do so as to get their qualification hopes again on monitor.
“I’m unhappy for end result and unhappy as a result of we could not make our followers, ourselves and the membership glad. However the efficiency was good,” De Zerbi added.
