Agent Potter: Roberto De Zerbi thanks ex-Chelsea boss after win

Brighton & Hove Albion manager Roberto De Zerbi has expressed his gratitude to his predecessor, Graham Potter, for building a strong team, following their 2-1 victory over Chelsea in the English Premier League (EPL) on Saturday.

The Seagulls’ Italian boss, who took over from Potter in the summer of 2021, acknowledged the contribution of the former Chelsea manager to the club’s current success.

“I have to say thanks to Graham Potter because I found a very great and strong team and I am now trying to give my idea,” De Zerbi said in his post-match press conference.

Potter joined Brighton in 2019 and led the club to a 16th-place finish in his first season. However, he was lured away by Chelsea as their new assistant manager in the summer of 2021, only to be sacked before the end of the campaign.

De Zerbi, who previously managed Italian side Sassuolo, has made a positive start to life at the Amex Stadium, with his side currently in seventh place in the EPL table, with 49 points from 32 matches played.

The victory over Chelsea was a significant one for the Seagulls, as it saw them record a league double over the London club for the first time in their history. Brighton had previously beaten Chelsea 1-0 in December 2021.

The result also dented Chelsea’s hopes of qualifying for next season’s UEFA Champions League, as they remain in 11th place in the table, with 39 points from 31 matches.

Chelsea took the lead initially via Conor Gallagher but Brighton came back through a Danny Welbeck goal upon his introduction.

The victory was Brighton’s third in their last four league matches, as they continue to push for a top-six finish.