Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has hailed Roberto De Zerbi and has called the Italian’s Brighton side ‘a joy’ to watch.
Arsenal take on Brighton this weekend as the Gunners look to keep alive their hopes of winning the Premier League title. The Seagulls arrive in need of points of their own as Brighton chase a first ever European qualification this season.
Brighton are seventh in the table and have impressed during a brilliant campaign, one which saw De Zerbi appointed as Graham Potter’s replacement in September.
The 43-year-old has won praise for his attractive brand of football at Brighton and Arteta admits he has been impressed with De Zerbi’s immediate impact in the Premier League.
“The way Brighton play under manager Roberto de Zerbi is remarkable,” Arteta told his pre-match press conference.
“It is just a joy to watching them play. What they have brought to the league is a different idea, a different way of playing and a different challenge to manage against.
“What the manager has done with the team is incredible, so it will be a very tough match.
“They pose an extremely tricky challenge, with the way they play, so we will have to handle the things they do, but it will be the same for them, managing the way we do it.”
Arteta discussed his view on Brighton’s recent rise and believes the club’s recruitment has been a key factor in the Seagulls’ success.
“They have been ahead of other clubs in the way they have made decisions, the way they have developed players and recruited talent. It’s been really impressive, I think they have done extremely well.”
