Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi: I became a coach because of Pep
- Oscar Sanders
- 25 May 2023
Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi has revealed that Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola inspired him to become a coach after their sides played to a pulsating 1-1 draw on Wednesday evening.
With the title already secured, City looked to be on their way to a 29th league win of the season after Phil Foden's opener. However, a wonder strike from Seagulls forward Julio Enciso in the dying stages of the match claimed a share of the spoils.
The point meant Brighton secured a place in the Europa League next season and Guardiola talked up De Zerbi's qualities before the match, hailing him as 'one of the most influential managers in the last 20 years'.
The 43-year-old Italian tactician has now repaid the praise, saying if it wasn't for Guardiola, he probably would not have got into coaching.
"I became a coach for him. I don't know if it's a good thing, but I became a coach for him because I loved his Barcelona. I studied him a lot. I don't love to copy anyone and I didn't copy, but I took [things from him] when I started to be a coach. And before, also, when I finished as a player. Pep is still number one," said De Zerbi.
