De Zerbi’s Critique of Ansu Fati: “Not Enough…

Ansu Fati will join the first-team for preseason

Ajax – Brighton: Ansu Fati’s Match

Ansu Fati is back to smiling after this great performance against Ajax / Telefónica

Ansu Fati continues to struggle to find his form at Brighton. Injuries have prevented him from playing consistently and earning the trust of Roberto De Zerbi, who despite multiple absences in the attacking positions, is not favoring the forward loaned by Barça. The latest setback came at Anfield, where Ansu didn’t even get a minute on the pitch.

The Spanish forward made his comeback on February 3rd and hasn’t scored a goal since then. De Zerbi addressed him in the press conference ahead of Wednesday’s match against Brentford. “He needs to give more, because what he’s doing is not enough,” the coach pointed out firmly.

Ansu Fati has only scored 2 goals in 15 Premier League matches, with just three starts. In the Europa League, he scored twice in six games and hasn’t found the net in domestic cup competitions.

“The expectations with him are always very high,” De Zerbi admitted. “His early career has been tough to accept and understand, but for great players, the most important thing is to adapt to the expectations you have,” the Italian expressed.

Despite the warning, the Brighton coach expressed his support for the forward. “We’re helping him. He’s a sensitive kid, a good kid, and when you work with people like that, you’re happy if you can help them,” De Zerbi commented.

No clues about his future Meanwhile, Roberto De Zerbi remains content at Brighton and gives no hints about his future. The Italian has been rumored to be the new Barcelona coach, although he has a €15 million release clause from the English club. “You ask me a lot about the transfer market, if I’m leaving or not. I’m proud not only to be the coach of these players but to be the coach of Brighton. And I know I’m very lucky to work with these players and with this club,” the coach stated.

Injuries remain his biggest concern. “I would like to compete differently, with a full squad, but I try to play in a certain way, regardless of whether all the players are available,” he commented.

Regarding whether he will resolve his future at the end of the season, De Zerbi considers it not an issue for him at the moment: “It’s part of my job. For now, I want to focus on the pitch and the goal we can achieve. I have a contract for the moment. I’m calm, no problems. The problems lie in the players’ injuries and in preparing for matches.”