Roberto De Zerbi had one of the best post-match interviews of the season after Brighton finished sixth and qualified for next season's Europa League.
The Seagulls needed a point to claim a historic European adventure and ended it with a 1-1 draw against champions Manchester City in a thrilling game at the AMEX Stadium.
Phil Foden scored twice before Julio Incisco equalized with a superb long shot.
It was another exceptional performance from Brighton, who have received plenty of praise for their play under De Zerbi since taking over from Graham Potter.
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His counterpart, Pep Guardiola, became lyrical about Brighton in the build-up to the match and then De Zerbi revealed his admiration for the Catalan and how he inspired him . "I became a coach thanks to him," the Italian told Sky Sports.
"I don't know if that's a good thing, but I became his coach because I liked his Barcelona and I studied him a lot.
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"I don't like copying anyone, but I took [everything] from him when I started as a coach, and before that, when I finished as a player. Pep is still No. 1. "
De Zerbi expressed delight at the "courage" Brighton showed in front of arguably the best team in the world and chairman Tony Bloom joined in the middle of the discussion.
Fans got a glimpse of the relationship between the two and the former Sassuolo player expressed gratitude to Bloom for the freedom he gave him. Advertisement
"I have to say thank you because there were two difficult situations in the dressing room. I decided to go my own way and Tony [Bloom] never said anything. I love freedom, because of that I have to say thank you."
With an opening match against Aston Villa, Brighton confirmed their place in the Europa League next season. But additional competition means the club will have to focus on bringing in new players - an area where they have excelled recently.
"Of course! We are talking because I think next year will be more difficult," explained De Zerbi. Advertisement
"To play four tournaments our own way because we want to be competitive, we have to analyze the squad."
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