Roberto De Zerbi: Brighton lacked ‘soul’ and ‘motivation’ in Bournemouth defeat
Mark O'
Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi took aim at his players after a second heavy defeat in the space of three days, accusing them of playing without pride.
Bournemouth followed where Manchester City led on Thursday in punishing a Brighton side who are now in serious retreat with goals from Unal Enes, Justin Kluivert and Marcos Senesi.
De Zerbi apologised to the club’s supporters afterwards, saying that while it was harder to rouse themselves up for games without the realistic carrot of qualifying for Europe, a limp and weary display at the Vitality Stadium was inexcusable.
“We are sorry for the performance,” said De Zerbi. “We are spending a tough season, especially in the last two or three months. We have a lot of problems but we have to find the energy to finish the season in a different way.
“Injuries are a factor for sure but motivation as well. Motivation in football is 80 per cent of our work. In my time we kept every game a big challenge, a big target. In this moment, too many points from European qualification, we are working for an unclear target but I can’t accept a game without soul.
“We have to stop this moment quickly. I have a big respect for my players and I know they are suffering in the same way but we have to be honest with ourselves. The performance today was not enough. We have always to play with soul, with honour and with pride because we are Brighton.”
De Zerbi’s team looked like a side whose thoughts were drifting towards the beach − presumably not Brighton − and reclining on the mid-table chaise longue did not go down well with the Italian. He made seven changes ahead of kick-off but it made no difference.
Nineteen-year-old striker Mark O’Mahony’s first Premier League start lasted only 45 minutes before the Corkman was replaced at half time. By then Bournemouth were already one goal to the good as Brighton’s set-piece defence, a persistent Achilles heel, let them down again.
They failed to deal with Lewis Cook’s corner and Argentinian defender Senesi nodded the home side into the lead.
Enes wasted two chances for a second but it was third time lucky for the on-loan Getafe forward when he put away a terrific header in the 52nd minute.
He owed a debt of gratitude to Dango Otattara − who hurdled the advertising hoarding after stretching to reach the ball to cross from the byline − but the power Enes put through a looping ball left Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen with no hope.
Kluivert wrapped things up late on after a lovely pass from substitute Ryan Christie in a game with two sides moving in opposite directions. (© Telegraph Media Group Ltd, 2024)
