Roberto De Zerbi exclusive: Brighton manager praises players after heavy rotation this season ahead of derby against Crystal Palace
Roberto De Zerbi takes charge of his 50th Premier League game as Brighton manager on Thursday; goalkeepers Jason Steele and Bart Verbruggen have rotated this season; Watch Crystal Palace vs Brighton live on Sky Sports Premier League from 7pm on Thursday; kick-off 8pm
Senior football journalist
Tuesday 19 December 2023 23:00, UK
The 2023/24 season has been a history-making campaign for Brighton. Their first foray into Europe — and their first time reaching the knockout rounds — as well as continuing to compete in the Premier League.
But the Seagulls also top the table in more obscure terms. They have already made 70 changes to their Premier League starting XIs this year — 26 more than the next highest team, Nottingham Forest — as they adapt to the 'three games a week' schedule that comes with Europa League football.
To add some more context, Brighton only made 79 starting XI changes in the entirety of last season, as well as using the most Premier League substitutes this campaign too (81).
It has not always been an approach welcomed by Seagulls fans, but De Zerbi explained why he has used such heavy rotation and, in his view, why it is working.
«I don't love changing too many players every game, but I must do it,» he said ahead of Thursday's game with Crystal Palace, live on Sky Sports.
«I can't do something different, or there is a risk to lose other players. Now we have 15 players who are able to play and I think we are doing a good job because we reach the top of the table in the Europa League in a very tough group.
»We are in a good position in the table in the Premier League, especially if you think we lost six points at home playing very well, but conceding stupid goals and not scoring the right goals. But I think
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