Roberto De Zerbi calls on Brighton to ‘change the club’s history’ in landmark FA Cup semi-final

Roberto De Zerbi has told his players they have a chance to change the club’s history in their FA Cup semi-final against Manchester United.

Homeless, staring relegation from the Football League in the face and on the brink of oblivion in the late-90s, Brighton are now one of the country’s most admired clubs, in their second semi-final in five years and, for many, favourites to reach this season’s showpiece which would be a first FA Cup final for the club since 1983.

De Zerbi is well aware of where Brighton have come from and said: ‘We would like to change the history. We want the fans to be proud of these players, these players are different to other teams because they feel the importance of the fans. They are playing for the fans. For sure we would like to make our fans happy.’

Manchester United’s shambolic Europa League exit at the hands of Sevilla coupled with their defensive issues have left many bookies believing Brighton will emerge victorious at Wembley.

De Zerbi has similar faith in his players.

Roberto De Zerbi has history-making in his sights as Brighton prepares for a trip to Wembley

Brighton are having a white-hot season under De Zerbi, with silverware and Europe still in play

The Seagulls last reached the FA Cup final 40 years ago, where they faced Sunday’s opponents

He said: ‘I trust my players. I don’t want you to think I am being arrogant because I am not arrogant. I think we can win the game because I believe in my players. I know very well the quality of the Man United players and I respect them. I think it’ll be a tough game but a tough game for them as well.’

And he insisted the favourites tag was not something that will sit uncomfortably for him and his players.

‘They cannot put too much pressure because I don’t feel pressure. The same for my players. ‘They love the pressure. When do you have the pressure? When you play a different game. ‘An important or very important game. This is when you feel pressure. Pressure is an important thing in the game. We have to adapt and love these games in terms of importance and pressure.’

Brighton’s players do now, with their belief only growing under De Zerbi. They beat Manchester United on the opening day of the season when led by his predecessor Graham Potter.

Under the Italian they have added the scalps of Chelsea and Liverpool, twice each, and Arsenal.

Danny Wellbeck – who scored against Chelsea – is one of the players his manager singled out 

Pascal Gross’ new deal  provided the Italian with a massive boost as he plans for next season

While De Zerbi has been the recipient of much praise, he said: ‘I am lucky to work with fantastic players because the coaches are not important how [in the way] you think.

‘In every situation when I explain something tactical, something mentality, something about other things, they understand. They show me on the pitch the day after that they are following me in mentality.

‘There are a lot of players – Lewis Dunk, Pascal Gross, Adam Webster, Jason Steele, Joel Veltman, Danny Welbeck – they helped me, they had to follow me and convince the other team-mates that we can compete for higher targets but it’s not only my work.

‘One team is a team, is a good team, is a strong team when all people inside work in the same way in direction. Not only the coach.’