Seagulls boss needs talks after Reds link

ROBERTO DE ZERBI has put Liverpool on red alert by giving an update on his Brighton future.

Italian De Zerbi takes his side to Anfield today, having been touted as a managerial candidate for Liverpool ahead of Jurgen Klopp’s impending exit.

De Zerbi arrived at Brighton as successor to Graham Potter in September 2022, leading the Seagulls to a top-seven finish last season and the Europa League’s last 16 this campaign.

However, he failed to reassure fans as he insisted he would talk to Brighton owner Tony Bloom and ensure the club’s ambition matches his before deciding on his next move.

De Zerbi (below) said: “I have a different way to decide my future. First of all, I want to speak to my club.

“I have a contract but it is not a problem.

“The problem is to find the same plan, targets and vision for the future.

“I have not decided yet what my future is because

I have the contract but I want to speak with Tony and my club to understand the plan. Then, we will take the decision together without problems.

“What we did is history and nobody can forget that. In the future, I want to keep my ambition and my motivation. If I don’t feel comfortable or don’t feel the right motivation, I cannot stay any more.”

Asked about signing a new contract, De Zerbi, 44, said:

“At the moment, it is not possible – we spoke but we didn’t find the agreement.

“The contract is a part of the future, it is important for everyone but it is only a small part – the big part is the plan.

“I have always kept my focus on my team, I could leave if I don’t believe in the next plan.”

Liverpool are yet to beat De Zerbi’s side in four attempts but the Seagulls are plagued by injuries. Solly March,

Kaoru Mitoma and Jack Hinshelwood are long-term absentees and the boss also ruled out James Milner and Julio Enciso. Billy Gilmour will miss out after suffering a knee injury while on international duty with Scotland and club top scorer Joao Pedro won’t be risked.

“We lost him for two months and it’s not the right moment to take a risk for the young players,” De Zerbi said. “After Liverpool, we have another nine games.”