Brighton chairman Tony Bloom admits the impact of Roberto de Zerbi has surprised him.

The Italian has taken the club to a new level - including into the Europa League for the first time - since succeeding former manager Graham Potter last season.

Bloom told BBC Sport: "Roberto, coming in, has been pretty amazing. He is an elite head coach. His track record, when we looked into it in a lot of detail, was exceptionally good in the latter years at Shakhtar Donetsk and Sassuolo.

"But I didn't quite realise the impact that he would have when he came in. I think it's very difficult to know the impact of any person, whether it's a player, a coach or a head coach coming into the football club. He has been hugely influential for a number of players and he is so good at improving individual players across the board.

"Roberto has just taken it that one step forward. The quality of the play, the risk-taking at the right times to create opportunities and for the players to create chances, and his tactical abilities are superb.

"We're very fortunate to have him at the club, we love having him at the club. Long may it continue."