EUROPE’S NO EXIT FACTOR FOR DE ZERBI

ROBERT DE ZERBI says he will not be walking out on Brighton if they fail to qualify for Europe next year, as his side try to overturn a four-goal deficit against Roma.

The Seagulls face being knocked out of the Europa League at the last-16 stage after collapsing in Rome.

It has led to suggestions that De Zerbi could look to move on, especially if his team – currently eighth in the Premier League – fail to return to Europe in 2024-25.

But the Italian, linked with Liverpool, Manchester United and Barcelona recently, says Europe will not decide his future. And he does not sound like a man about to jump ship if his side cannot find a miracle.

He said: “I have a contract here. I have a good relationship with everyone at the club.

“Whether we will be playing in Europe or not doesn’t change anything for me.”

Most Brighton fans realise that taking a club that almost went out of business a few years ago into Europe in the first place was remarkable.

De Zerbi agrees, saying: “To reach the Europa League was an incredible target.

“This is our first time in Europe and it’s normal you pay a price for that in the league and we have done.”

The hope for De Zerbi is that it is not the first time he has faced such a mammoth task.

He once managed an Italian club in the semi-final of the Coppa Italia Lega Pro and lost the first leg 5-2 before winning the second 6-1 to go through – and eventually lift the trophy.

“I’ve done it as a coach before in a similar situation,” he said. “But it’s a very different competition.”

Brighton have key midfielder Billy Gilmour back from suspension but Solly March, Joao Pedro, Kaoru Mitoma, James Milner and Jack Hinshelwood are all out. BRIGHTON (4-2-3-1): Steele; Lamptey, Dunk, Van Hecke, Estupinan; Gilmour, Gross; Adingra, Lallana, Fati; Welbeck.