Roberto De Zerbi has hailed the “incredible job” Eddie Howe has done at Newcastle United, stating “they deserve to play in the Champions League.”
The Italian also spoke highly of St James’ Park and Newcastle fans ahead of tonight’s 7.30pm kick-off on Tyneside, saying the “passion” of our fans is “the best in football.”
However, he’s focused on the task in hand and backed Brighton’s chances, saying they will “play to win” after several impressive displays against top six sides this season. They outplayed Arsenal last weekend in a 3-0 win at the Emirates, saw off Liverpool by the same scoreline, beat Man Utd earlier this month and did the double over Chelsea with two convincing victories.
De Zerbi knows Brighton must be at their best to create their own ‘history’, with them pushing to secure European football for the very first time. They will arrive confident after Sunday’s win and may have more of the ball, but come up against a Newcastle side who’ve been superb at St James’ Park all season.
Here’s what he’s had to say ahead of tonight’s game:
De Zerbi on St James’ Park and Newcastle fans:
“For me it’s an honour to play in this stadium.
“I’m looking forward to playing, because the passion of the fans is the best of football. It’ll be nice to have the possibility to play. We play to win, for sure.”
