Roberto De Zerbi, Brighton manager, explained the reason why Mateus Fernandes started the game against Nottingham Forest on the bench. The Portuguese player, who cost 99 million euros to the English club, was not in the starting lineup for this match.
De Zerbi expressed great confidence in the young Portuguese player, stating that Mateus Fernandes will be one of the best players of his career as a manager. This declaration comes at a time when the player is still adapting to English football.
The cost of 99 million euros makes Mateus Fernandes one of the most expensive signings in Brighton's history, which increases the expectations around his performance. However, the Italian manager chose not to include him in the starting eleven for this specific game.
The decision to leave the Portuguese player on the bench may be related to the player's integration process into the team, allowing him to gain match fitness gradually without the pressure of being an immediate starter.
