Overtime reporters ask people in Brighton city centre how they think Albion will get on under new manager Roberto De Zerbi
Interviews by Will Murray, Amey Kulkarni and Rumyana Penzova
Teddy Hazucha, 19, a University student and Chelsea fan, said: “I’m unhappy about Tuchel, but Potter seems the right choice for us. I’ve read good things about De Zerbi.
“His style of football is massively unknown, but I still think they can challenge for a European spot.”
Jamie Lawrence, 51, a betting company employee from Lewes, said: “I don’t know much about the new Brighton manager, to be honest. I do watch football occasionally, but I’m an Arsenal fan. I think the sacking of the Potter seemed inevitable.”
Ben Ripley, 22, a graduate working for Hollywood Bowl, from Brighton, said: “I am a Liverpool fan, but I heard about the new Brighton manager – he has an Italian name, I think.
“It’s a shame they didn’t hold on to Potter, honestly. He’s among the top 5 coaches in the world for me. Chelsea’s not going to be the right place for him.
“I think Liverpool will do okay against Brighton on Saturday. When it comes to Brighton, I think they’ll finish top half of the table.
“With the ambitions of the new Chelsea owner and the resources available, paying £20 million for Potter was never going to be an issue for them.”
Jason Deane, 42, a construction worker from Brighton said: “I always keep an eye on the results, and I trust the ownership that they have got this appointment right. Potter leaving was bound to happen, and I just hope it doesn’t take the club too long to recover from his departure.
“I’ve been trying to take my son to the games to watch some live Premier League football as I love Brighton’s attacking style of play. By the sounds of it, De Zerbi will suit the players that he already has at the club.”
Tony Pierce, 59, unemployed, said: “I don’t follow Brighton closely, but I’m shocked that they’re doing so well.
“I think Chelsea was the right project for Potter and he was always going to leave this season.”
“I’m a Liverpool fan and we play Brighton on Saturday. It sounds like this new manager will make them a dangerous side. Saying that, I still think we will narrowly beat them 2-1.”
