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Going nowhere
Roberto De Zerbi has reaffirmed his commitment to Brighton amid links to the Tottenham job.
Spurs boss Antonio Conte is under intense pressure in North London after seeing his side crash out of the Champions League and FA Cup in the last 10 days.
Various reports yesterday suggested the club were sounding out potential replacements for the Italian and De Zerbi supposedly ranks high on their wish list.
However, quizzed on the links this morning, the 43-year-old made his stance clear.
He told reporters: “I have a long contract with Brighton and I’m happy to work here.
“I enjoy working with these players, I’m delighted with their performance. I can’t ask for more — it’s a good moment in my life.”
The Seagulls travel to Leeds on Saturday sat seven points behind fourth-placed Spurs having played three games fewer, with De Zerbi admitting continental qualification is on his squad’s radar.
He added: “We want to arrive in Europe but we have to push and take it game by game.
“Tomorrow starts a difficult period with three games in a week, but we are ready to fight for our targets.”
Angry Arne
Feyenoord boss Arne Slot was frustrated by his team’s 1-1 draw with Shakhtar Donetsk in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie.
The Eredivisie leaders dominated proceedings against their Ukrainian opponents but fell behind with 11 minutes remaining when Yaroslav Rakitskyi netted from his side’s only shot on target.
Though Argentine forward Ezequiel Bullaude bagged a late equaliser for the visitors, their head coach felt his charges had missed an opportunity.
Slot fumed: “In the first half, I thought we were a little too happy with the fact that we were better. We didn’t realize enough that when you’re better, you have to push through.
“Towards the second half, we put a little different emphasis on our left side. That made us constantly dangerous there.
“I thought our passing game was good in the first half, but without any chances. In the second half, we had several great opportunities.
“It is extremely disappointing that it ends 1-1. One shot on goal, one goal against. It’s the same for us every time.”
The pair face off again in Rotterdam next Thursday.
More like Michail
David Moyes expects Michail Antonio’s Europa Conference League brace against AEK Larnaca to give his forward a much-needed morale boost.
Antonio, 32, had managed just seven strikes in 32 appearances in all competitions prior to last night’s trip to Cyprus, in what has been a disappointing campaign for him and his team-mates.
And though the Scot still wants more from his marksman, he could not hide his delight after seeing the South Londoner bag both goals in the 2-0 win.
Moyes said: “I thought Mick didn’t hold the ball up well enough in the opening part, but he did the important bit and scored.
“I’m glad he has that in him because we needed it. It’s good for Mick’s confidence as goals haven’t come easy for him and he’s very important for us.”
The Hammers host Aston Villa on Sunday looking to move further clear of the Premier League relegation zone.
