(Football news) Brighton have had a stellar Premier League season this time around as the Seagulls are currently sixth in the table and have qualified for a European competition. They defeated Southampton 3-1 over the weekend to secure their place in the European Conference League and could qualify for the Europa League next season if they get a point from their last two games, which will secure sixth place. 

Brighton have a superior goal difference to Aston VIlla, which means they are very likely to finish ahead of them. Moreover, the Seagulls have two games remaining while Villa only have one. Roberto De Zerbi has done a fantastic job at Brighton after Graham Potter’s departure, having joining from Shakhtar Donetsk last summer. Brighton’s fantastic season has meant that De Zerbi has been linked with a number of big clubs including Tottenham Hotspur but the Italian has insisted he will remain at the Seagulls for a long time.

In an interview, De Zerbi said “This is more prestigious than winning the Premier League with one of the big-six teams. It is an honour to be the coach of Brighton and work with these players. I want to stay for a long time. The truth is I don’t want to lose this group because I am enjoying working with them.

“[They are] a group with a big level and I don’t want to lose this. I am lucky to work with them and be here at this moment. For me and my staff it is a new challenge to organise the squad to play three games per week. It will be four competitions and for sure it is an improvement for the club, because we have to build a squad to compete.”

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