Roberto's pre-Ajax press conference

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Albion's head coach looks ahead to the challenge of facing Ajax in Amsterdam tonight.

Bruce Talbot

2023-11-09T05:30:00Z

Roberto De Zerbi keeps an eye on his players during training ahead of tonight's game against Ajax.

On a changed Ajax tonight… “They are different, they have a different coach but nothing changes for us, we need three points and we are here to play a great game.”

On learning how to adapt to the Europa League… “We are working to reach the right level to compete in Europe and Premier League.

“It’s not so easy, we have had a lot of injuries and we are a young team and we don’t have a big history in European competition but we have played better over the last three games and we are adapting. I love my players, the important first step is to keep our DNA and be ready to fight in this competition.”

Roberto De Zerbi believes Albion are improving the more they are exposed to European football.

On Pervis Estupinan’s return… “Estupinan is with us and he will be on the bench. Maybe he can play one part of the game. I won’t take a risk with him as we need him for an important game on Sunday and we don’t have many solutions in that position. [Tariq] Lamptey is not ready yet, he can hopefully be available after the international break.”

"On relishing the opportunity to compete against a storied European club… “For us it’s an honour to play in the Amsterdam Arena, we have a big respect for their history – they taught everyone to play football. I look around [at the pictures of legends on the wall] and don’t see Joel Veltman on the wall and I’m sorry – he’s a great player for us!

On the influence of Dutch football for him as a coach… “Dutch football has influenced me a lot. Ajax’s style is clear, in every part of the world. Year by year they change a lot of players and are very good in their recruitment of young players. They sell when they reach the right level.”

Joao Pedro speaks to the media ahead of Thursday's game against Ajax.

On competing on an equal footing in Europe… “We will never change regardless of results. We are a young team, with a young coach. Our style and our spirit have been crucial to helping us reach the [Europa League] target. We have to play to compete, to show our quality and to attack and defend with 11 players.”

On Joao Pedro’s Brazil call-up… “Joao Pedro has an incredible talent. When we speak about him, we can speak about [Ansu] Fati in the same way. But they have to play better, push more and more, run 90 minutes and attack and defend in the same way. To reach the highest level they have to work more and better, but they know my opinion. I explained that clearly to them.”