Brighton chairman Tony Bloom has hailed the impact of manager Roberto de Zerbi.
De Zerbi has led Brighton to the Europa League - a first chance in Europe in the club's history.
Bloom told the club's website: "It goes without saying that we have had a season to remember; a season where we have recorded our highest ever Premier League points tally, our highest ever finish, and a first season playing in European competition the reward for all our efforts. Huge credit goes to the players and the backroom team for their superb efforts this season, and also to our entire staff, both at the stadium and the training ground, for their professionalism and hard work throughout the campaign.
"It's a season that, of course, has seen change, with Graham Potter and his coaching staff leaving for Chelsea in early September. Graham departed with our men's team in a very good place after significant progress in his three-year tenure.
"Succession planning is always key, and Roberto De Zerbi was someone who we were aware of for some time and, crucially, was available at a time in the season when it is often difficult to bring in head coaches from other clubs. Roberto is an excellent fit for our club with the style of football he adopts, his passion, desire and determination to succeed, and his enthusiasm and abilities to improve players.
"It's never easy for any squad when they experience a change of head coach and coaching staff, even more so when the season is already underway, so full credit to our players, who adapted remarkably well to the transition. From the initial conversations I had with the senior players, they were fully on board with Roberto's philosophy and methods from day one. I know that they continue to be enthused and motivated by his sessions, enlightened even, and that feel-good factor has spread right through the squad.
"We are seeing the results on the pitch, and in all my years following Brighton & Hove Albion, I've never seen us play football of such quality and style. We are undoubtedly watching the best Albion team we have ever had, and it gives me such pleasure to make that statement. Not only is it aesthetically pleasing on the eye, we are also playing with a real purpose, a real desire to take the game to the opposition, and we are dominating games. There's a new dimension to the way we play and it's been a joy to watch."
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