Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi has explained turning down Bologna before taking the Seagulls job.

De Zerbi refused the post while Sinisa Mihajlovic was still in place. Zerbi insisted he would only take the job should the Serb resign.

"I don't want to be a teacher of life," said De Zerbi to the Daily Mail. "But I have rules I don't compromise. One of the most important is that before the coach there is the man and you can only arrive at a high level of play if there is a connection, respect, confidence between me and my players. You have to be honest, clear.

"I don't want people to think I am a super hero. I am human. I can make mistakes in the dressing room. But I say sorry. When one player plays less than another and when I decide one player has to leave. But this is my work."