Roberto De Zerbi determined to establish Brighton as top-10 club

Roberto De Zerbi has pledged to keep Brighton on course for their pre-season ambitions of a top-10 Premier League finish.

The 43-year-old Italian insisted he picked Brighton over a host of other managerial opportunities, and declared himself excited to succeed Graham Potter with the Seagulls.

Brighton owner Tony Bloom branded De Zerbi a "natural fit" to take the Amex Stadium club forward after Potter left for Chelsea.

Brighton bosses Paul Barber and Bloom insisted De Zerbi was on a shortlist of one to take the helm, with both club and new coach believing their qualities and vision align.

De Zerbi also revealed he had received the seal of approval for choosing Brighton from Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola.

"Brighton strongly wanted me as a coach, and their style of play is very similar to my idea of football," said De Zerbi.

"We met each other straight after we had started to talk.

"Of course, other teams were interested in me but I'm delighted to be here.

"I think we’re on the same wave-length and I’m sure we can do it well.

"I spoke to Pep on Sunday evening, yes. He’s very happy that I’m on board here.

"He told me very good things about the club. And he told me that if I need he will be very happy to help me – but of course not in the match we are playing against them!

"I think the right vision is to try to improve always. And of course last season ended in ninth so our vision is to stay in the first 10 teams of the league.

"For me this is a big challenge. I’m coming to work in the most important league in the world.

"I come here very humble because I know where I’m coming to work. But of course I come here with my personality, to do what I know to do, bringing here my experiences of what I know to do."

Brighton owner Bloom hailed