Robert De Zerbi insists Ajax’s past glories will count for nothing when Brighton take on the four-time European Cup winners… as he insists the Seagulls are adapting to their Europa League commitments

• Brighton face Ajax at the Amex Stadium in the Europa League on Thursday night
• The Seagulls have picked up just one point from their first two group games 
• But De Zerbi insisted they are learning and backed them to beat the Dutch giants

Roberto De Zerbi insists Ajax’s glittering history will count for nothing when the Dutch side visit the Amex Stadium tonight.

Brighton are continental novices compared to the Dutch outfit, who boast a pedigree of four European Cups. But a disastrous start to the season has left Ajax one place off the foot of the Eredivisie and cost boss Maurice Steijn his job this week.

That has only fuelled De Zerbi’s belief his side can claim their first Europa League win after taking just one point from their opening two group games.

‘We are getting used to playing in the Europa League,’ said the Brighton head coach. 

‘We are getting used to playing three games per week and this means learning new things, new habits. 

Roberto De Zerbi insists Ajax’s glittering trophy-laden history will count for nothing when the Dutch side visit Brighton on Thursday in a vital Europa League group match

The Seagulls have just one point from two group games but De Zerbi insisted they are adapting

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‘For Ajax, every year they play in Europe, and for us it is the first time. But in football there are 22 players, one ball and one referee. If you are better you can win without history. History is not the most important thing.’

De Zerbi has been handed a double blow with Solly March (knee) and Danny Welbeck (muscle) both picking up long-term injuries at Manchester City on Saturday.

‘Solly unfortunately is a very tough injury,’ said De Zerbi. ‘We will lose him for a long time and Welbeck is the same, both long-term. It’s difficult to say the time but it’s a long period.’

Brighton’s Dutch defender Joel Veltman came through the ranks at Ajax and admits it hurts to see his former club struggling. 

He said: ‘They fired the coach, it could be positive for them but could also be a negative thing. We don’t know how they will react on the pitch.’

Ajax have endured a dreadful start to the season and sacked boss Maurice Steijn (above)

Joel Veltman came through the youth ranks at Ajax and admit it hurts to see them struggling

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