Roberto De Zerbi was very complimentary of Graham Potter following Brighton's win over Chelsea. Julio Enciso unleashed a fantastic strike from range to snatch three points for the Seagulls at Stamford Bridge, extending Frank Lampard's winless start as caretaker manager to three games.
The Blues showed signs of improvement in the early stages of the tie, and it looked as if a corner had been turned when Conor Gallagher broke the deadlock inside the opening quarter of an hour. But, the west Londoners' bright start didn't last long after Danny Welbeck netted an equaliser moments before half-time.
Enciso then spectacularly beat Kepa Arrizabalaga from distance, claiming three huge points as Brighton close in on a Champions League qualification place. Speaking to in his post-match press conference, De Zerbi was quick to thank Potter for laying the foundations to a 'very great and strong team'.
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Potter left the Amex Stadium for Stamford Bridge in September to replace Thomas Tuchel at Chelsea. The Seagulls boss said: "I have to say thanks to Graham Potter because I found a very great and strong team and I am now trying to give my idea."
Then, on Enciso, De Zerbi added: "Enciso is a good, good player. I didn't like him after the goal because after the game he stopped playing. If we concede then they forget his goal."
De Zerbi also paid tribute to Potter following his sacking earlier this month. He said: "I think you give too much importance to the coaches because the players are always the most important.
"I don't like when coaches are sacked because the responsibility is not only with them. It's not very good news. I want to say thanks to Graham Potter. I have a team with a very good attitude and mentality.
"It is difficult when you don't know the situation or another dressing room. I don't like speaking about other teams and coaches. I am sorry because when there are these situations they are sad."
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