Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi has vowed to help struggling striker Evan Ferguson regain his goal touch following a recent drought.
Republic of Ireland international Ferguson was linked with the likes of Manchester United a couple of months ago but has subsequently scored one goal in his last 11 games.
Read our other football news stories here:
Real Madrid defender Alaba undergoes surgery on ACL injury
Nuno hails Forest predecessor Cooper
Arsene Wenger defends Club World Cup expansion plans
De Zerbi is hoping the 19-year-old can refind his form in tomorrow night’s trip to rivals Crystal Palace.
The Italian said: “For young players, you can expect different type of performances. There is a time when they play very well, they score, but in a different moment they can suffer the level of competition.
“I think in the last two months Evan suffered from injury, other things I don’t know – but he can play better and the level of Evan is higher than he is playing in the moment.
“But we can help him. He has to help himself first of all, to understand better the play. But he is very young, like my son, and if I can, I try everything to help him because he will become a great player for sure.”
Our Palace prep is done. ???? pic.twitter.com/iL5gDMsvac
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) December 20, 2023
De Zerbi will take charge of his 50th Premier League game in charge of the Seagulls at Selhurst Park but he is less interested in personal milestones than he is claiming another three points.
He added: “Tomorrow is the best game for us to celebrate this – I’m really proud and I’ve been lucky to stay here.
“We have a big motivation to win the game for the table but especially for our fans because we know the importance of the game.
“It should be an honour to play in this atmosphere, for us it is a motivation – the dream to win away in a derby game is a big motivation to not sleep tonight.
“We have to be focused on the pitch, playing our style, keeping our eye on the ball and being focused on what we have to do.”
