Also because Mahmoud Dahoud makes a mistake, Brighton slip up again against Sheffield Wednesday. Coach Roberto de Zerbi expressed a special opinion afterwards
Mahmoud Dahoud has extended his international break on his own authority. The ex-Gladbach and Dortmund man, who played his last of two senior internationals almost exactly three years ago, picked up a red card in Brighton’s 1-1 draw with Sheffield United on Sunday and is now facing his first Premier League ban.
The Seagulls’ summer signing stepped on the calf of opponent Ben Osborn in midfield in the 69th minute, was immediately sent off without VAR assistance and then had to watch on as his side surrendered their 1-0 lead. While Sheffield left last place for the first time since September, Brighton – who finished eighth last year – are now winless in six league games after a good start to the season
De Zerbi on Dahoud’s kick: “A mistake that can happen “
Coach Roberto de Zerbi spoke of an “unfortunate phase” on Sunday, but had something else to say: “I’ll be honest: I don’t like 80 percent of English referees,” explained the Italian, who was shortlisted for European Coach of the Year in the summer. “That’s not a new opinion. I don’t like them. I don’t like their behavior on the pitch. England are the only country where you can’t be sure the decision is right after a VAR check. “
Dahoud’s sending off was correct according to the rules. “But I was a player myself and the dynamics of this scene were not a red card,” argued de Zerbi, who benevolently described Dahoud’s action as a “mistake that can happen” – but with obvious consequences. “We could have won 2:0 or 3:0. But the red card changed the game. With one man less, we lost our order and our style of play.”
Midfielder Billy Gilmour sees the international break as a chance for the team, which has also been hit by several injuries, to “regroup”. Dahoud, who started for the fifth time against Sheffield Wednesday, will only be able to help off the pitch for the time being
