No pressure on Fati – De Zerbi

Ansu Fati (C). EPA/Quique Garcia

Saturday Sep 16, 2023. 11:00

Brighton & Hove Albion manager Roberto De Zerbi has moved to take the pressure off of Ansu Fati ahead of his likely Premier League debut against Manchester United.

The African-born Fati joined Brighton on loan from Barcelona at the end of the transfer window, and will have the chance to debut for the club when they face United at Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon.

The 20-year-old forward has struggled with injury issues through much of his young career, but is still regarded as one of the most exciting talents in European football.

However, De Zerbi insists that he will be placing no additional pressure on the Bissau-born player as the Seagulls chase a fourth successive win against the Red Devils.

“I want him to enjoy the game and I want to enjoy his ability. I don’t want to put any pressure on him. He has had only had three or four training sessions,” De Zerbi is quoted by Tribal Football.

“He can play number 9, 10 or 11 as well. He’s a big talent, but I’ve only been working with him for a week. If you ask me again in one month, I can be more precise.”

On going to Manchester United on Saturday, De Zerbi added: “Manchester United are still a great team, great players and a great manager, one of the best managers in Europe.

“We have [a] very important month. We start with United and we finish with Liverpool. We play against big teams and we are excited to start playing.”