Manager Roberto de Zerbi believes that Brighton’s first qualification for Europe is “more prestigious than winning the title” with a top-six club. The Seagulls need just one point from their remaining two games to secure a spot in the Europa League next season. De Zerbi, who joined Brighton last September after leaving Shakhtar Donetsk in Ukraine, has been linked with a number of big clubs, including Tottenham Hotspur, but the 43-year-old Italian insists he wants to stay at the south coast club for a long time. He told BBC Radio 5 Live, “It is an honour to be the coach of Brighton and work with these players. I want to stay a long time. The truth is I don’t want to lose this group because I am enjoying work with them. [They are] a group with a big level and I don’t want to lose this. I am lucky to work with them and be here at this moment.” He also expressed his excitement about the challenge of organizing the squad to play three games per week in four competitions. Brighton will face off against champions Manchester City on Wednesday before ending their season at Aston Villa on Sunday.
