Roberto De Zerbi says Brighton star 'not ready for Premier League' in dig at transfer policy
Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi hit out at his club's transfer policy after they escaped Selhurst Park with a point on Thursday.
Crystal Palace took the lead against their bitter rivals when Brighton's 21-year-old goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen made a mistake to allow Jordan Ayew to score. The visitors equalised late on thanks to a late header from experienced striker Danny Welbeck.
De Zerbi was disappointed with Brighton's display and has made his feelings known. He's criticised the club's policy of signing young players and insisted midfielder Carlos Baleba, a 19-year-old summer signing from Lille, isn't ready for the Premier League.
De Zerbi started seven players aged 23 or younger against Palace: Baleba, Verbruggen, Jack Hinshelwood, 18, Jan Paul van Hecke, 23, Billy Gilmour, 22, Simon Adingra, 21, and Joao Pedro, 22. The Brighton boss knows it will take time for them to reach their potential.
De Zerbi was asked about Verbruggen's mistake during his post-match interview with Sky Sports. He said: "It’s not the responsibility of Bart Verbuggen (only) because when the keeper is under pressure he needs his team-mates to play."
The Italian coach continued: "We have to accept the policy of the club is to play with many young players and you have to give them time to progress and to make mistakes. We have great potential players but they are not great players yet.
"Baleba is perhaps not ready to play in the Premier League yet but he will be a great Premier League player. The policy of the club, and the secret of our club, is to develop those players who are not there yet. That is my job."
Brighton enjoyed a superb 2022/23 campaign to finish sixth in the Premier League and qualify for Europe for the first time in their history. Their
Read on m.allfootballapp.com
