Roberto De Zerbi: ‘Big clubs can buy players but they can’t buy our soul and spirit’

Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi has said that ‘big clubs can buy players, but they can’t buy our soul and spirit’ as Moises Caicedo nears a move away from the club. The Seagulls accepted a huge bid of £110m for the Ecuadorian midfielder from Liverpool, although the Reds could still miss out on their target. Chelsea had a £100m bid rejected, but Caicedo is reportedly only interested in a move to Stamford Bridge so a deal could still be done if the Blues come back with another offer.

Whether he goes to Anfield or Stamford Bridge, De Zerbi has already accepted that Caicedo is leaving, but he has already moved on. The Italian was passionate as ever in a press conference on Friday, saying that players may leave, but the soul and spirit of the club will remain.

De Zerbi’s Passionate Response

‘I’ve already forgotten Moises. I’m really proud of the players we have in the squad,’ De Zerbi told reporters. ‘We have to complete the squad. We want to improve the squad because we lost [Alexis] Mac Allister, [Levi] Colwill, maybe we lose Caicedo, but we have to be ready.

‘When players leave it’s because they played well, but the credit goes to the players, the club and the coaches. The big clubs can buy the players, but they can’t buy our soul and spirit. That’s not on the market when they leave.’

De Zerbi’s New Additions

Despite the high profile departures this summer, De Zerbi has added a number of players to his squad this summer, and although he is hoping for more, is very pleased with those who have arrived.

‘We brought not only James Milner, Igor (Julio). Mohammed Dahoud didn’t play so many games last year (for Dortmund), but he’s a top, top player,’ he said. ‘Joao Pedro is a potential crack player. (Simon) Adingra will be very important for us.’

Conclusion

Roberto De Zerbi has made it clear that while big clubs may be able to buy the players, they cannot buy the spirit and soul of Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club. He is proud of the players who have stayed and those who have come in this summer, and is determined to keep building on what he has started at the club. For more stories like this, check out our sport page and follow Metro Sport on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.