Di Matteo: "We were unlucky!"
Brighton miss out on playoffs despite great turnaround during season!
Back in December, Brighton looked doomed and set for relegation, but then, when Oscar Garcia left. They brought in Champions League winner Roberto Di Matteo and has transformed the sides season by taking them from a few points above the relegation zone to a team fighting for promotion.
But despite a 2-0 win away against Nottingham Forest, because Bolton won, Brighton missed out on the playoffs by only one point. However, it was still considered the turnaround of the season and Brighton fans are amazed by the team's and the manager's attitude to turn the team around and back to their old ways.
Chairman Tony Bloom told BBC Sport: "
What Roberto has done to turn around our season is fantastic!I am glad he took the job in his stride and turned around our season! Whether he stays on next year is up to him and what this club think is best!"
Head Coach Roberto Di Matteo told Sky Sports News: "
I am very proud of what I have achieved at Brighton Football Club. I am extremely gutted that we didn't make the playoffs because the way we turned around our season, it would be a great way to end it!"
When Di Matteo was asked about whether he would be staying or not, he had this to say: "
Look, when I joined this club, I lowered my offered wage so I could only stay to the end of the season to see how I did. I have enjoyed myself but I'll have to speak to both my family and the chairman about whether I stay or find a different or higher division club!"
The question now is will Di Matteo stay at Brighton, his contract runs out in five weeks, so we will find out soon!
Di Matteo's Record (so far) at Brighton:
Games: 28
Wins: 15
Draws: 9
Defeats: 4
Win Ratio: 53%
Final League Table