Brighton want 'prestige' of winning Europa group

Published on: 13 December 2023

Brighton drew 2-2 at Marseille in the reverse fixture, Joao Pedro salvaging a point with his late penalty

Brighton manager Roberto de Zerbi has said he wants the "prestige" of winning their Europa League group.

The Seagulls, who are guaranteed at least second place in Group B, host leaders Marseille on Thursday needing a win to top the pool and book their place in the last 16.

Failure to win would mean they enter February's play-offs.

"Marseille are a very good team, but we have the ambition to finish top of our group," De Zerbi said.

"It is a prestigious thing to finish at the top of the table, because we will play two games less in February, and also [prestigious] for the history of our club.

"We want to try to win because we are serious people. When we work, we always want to show our best and do our best."

While the eventual group winners will move straight into the last 16, the runners-up will face a play-off against one of the eight teams finishing third in their Champions League groups.

Brighton have no new selection concerns following Saturday's 1-1 draw against Burnley in the Premier League.

Jakub Moder will not be involved as the midfielder is not in the club's Europa League squad list, and De Zerbi is hopeful forward Danny Welbeck could return to the bench for Sunday's visit to his former club Arsenal having been out since late October with a muscle problem.

Source: bbc.com

Advertisement