Ansu anger
DE ZERBI WANTS FAT & FURIOUS
ROBERTO DE ZERBI has told Ansu Fati to get “angry” to fulfil his wonderkid prophecy.
Forward Fati was dubbed the next Lionel Messi and was even given the Barcelona legend’s iconic No.10 shirt after the Argentine departed the Nou Camp for Paris Saint-germain in 2021.
But after initially living up to the hype by scoring at a better rate than a young Messi, his star fell due to injuries and he dropped out of favour at Barca.
Fati, 21, moved to Brighton on loan to rebuild his reputation. The Spain international is yet to start a Premier League match but helped the Seagulls to two famous victories over Ajax by scoring in both Europa League clashes.
Brighton boss De Zerbi said: “It has been difficult and tough for him. He started as one of the most important talents in the world and the expectation was maybe too big.
“I think this is the right team for him to improve and he can reach the right confidence and mental level to live in another big team.”
De Zerbi claimed Fati hit 50 per cent of his potential in Amsterdam on
Thursday. When asked how he can maximise his performances, the Italian said: “Physically he can improve and his mentality.
“After the second goal (at Ajax), I remember a chance when he could have scored the third goal to close and kill the game. I think he made a mistake – but in mentality.
“I would like to watch him get stronger and be angry for 90 minutes. We’ll start to score two or three goals if he has chances.
“I am speaking to him a lot and am trying to convince him to reach his natural level. He has to push and demand more from himself.”
Another attacking player burdened with his name in lights at Brighton is Evan Ferguson, who has signed a fresh contract to ward off potential January suitors.
The Irishman, who has five Premier League goals this season, boasts the most strikes from outside the area this campaign. “He’s top at shooting,” enthused De Zerbi. “When Evan shoots left or right it’s the same.”