“We saw the difference in experience at this level between Brighton and AEK.”

Brighton were favorites against AEK in their opening Europa League group stage match, and have had some very good results domestically (most recently a 3-1 win at Old Trafford over Manchester United) but on the pitch they have not lived up to the title.

Instead, they fell victim to an impressive Union side who beat Amex 3-2 in a stunning display, with Roberto De Gerbi pointing out the difference in European Cup experience between the two teams.

“I think we saw the difference in experience at this level between the two teams. We were worried and tried to do some things quickly.

We didn’t deserve to win but we certainly didn’t deserve to lose either. We were unlucky in the first two goals we conceded, although I don’t like to talk about luck.

“It was two specific stages, and we were too abstract.” He initially stressed De Gerbi, regarding the phase of Pons’ goal in the 84th minute that decided the match, and said:

“In the third goal, it wasn’t even a counterattack by the opponents. The full-back didn’t read the stage well and went to the ball instead of holding on to the opponent. There was a block, a counter-kick and a rebound.

“It wasn’t our best performance of the season but we weren’t lucky either.”

The Italian coach ended up pointing the finger at… representatives of the press: “You journalists are cunning and point to us as potential Europa League winners, but I laugh.

I’m not denying, I’m not answering, I’m just listening, but this is our first appearance in the Europa League, not only for the club but also for many players.

That’s the problem, getting used to playing three games a week. We want to improve and get beyond the group stage. We know our strengths and weaknesses and where we need to improve.”