Brighton head coach Roberto De Zerbi admits he was not aware of striker Joao Pedro before he joined the club.
Brighton Coach De Zerbi Calls for More from Two-Goal Hero Joao Pedro…
Brighton’s head coach, Roberto De Zerbi, is pushing for increased performance from Joao Pedro, despite the Brazilian striker’s impressive 15 goals in his debut season for the Seagulls, making him one of the top scorers in the Premier League alongside Erling Haaland and Mohamed Salah. Joao Pedro’s late double in a 4-2 victory against Stoke in the FA Cup helped secure the win, avoiding a potential upset.
While acknowledging Pedro’s current contribution, De Zerbi believes the young talent can reach even greater heights, comparable to the goal-scoring prowess of Haaland and Salah. De Zerbi expressed his admiration for Joao Pedro, stating, “I love Joao Pedro, and I know his potential. I know how he can improve and become important for us.”
Despite being unfamiliar with Joao Pedro when the club secured his £30 million summer transfer from Watford, De Zerbi credits the club’s recruitment department for identifying the talent. The coach emphasized his desire for Pedro to consistently deliver high-level performances from the start of matches, providing valuable contributions throughout.
Joao Pedro’s two goals in the last 19 minutes secured the victory for Brighton after recovering from an own goal by Jan Paul Van Hecke. De Zerbi highlighted the importance of avoiding a replay, especially considering Brighton’s extensive schedule and reaching the last 16 of the Europa League.
Stoke head coach Steven Schumacher faced his first defeat in his fifth match in charge, acknowledging the learning experience of facing a Premier League team. He commended his team’s character and resilience but noted the crucial difference lies in the Premier League side’s ability to capitalize on significant moments.
As Brighton advances in the FA Cup and maintains a strong presence in the Europa League, De Zerbi’s call for heightened performance from Joao Pedro reflects the club’s ambitions to compete at the highest level.
Leave a Reply