JOAO WARNING

De Zerbi gets on Brazil ace's case

- JOHN RICHARDSON

IT WAS barbs not bouquets for Joao Pedro – despite his double goal strike setting Brighton on their way to FA Cup redemption.

The semi-final defeat on penalties against Manchester United is still hurting – hence Roberto De Zerbi’s no-nonsense starting line-up against their Championship opponents.

Having come back from going behind to a Jan Paul van Hecke own goal to lead through another Pervis Estupinan stunner and a Lewis Dunk header, the Seagulls were tested to the full through a Lewis Baker penalty before record £30m summer signing Pedro sealed their passage into the next round with two clinical finishes.

It’s now 15 goals for the Brazilian, but just tough love from his manager – a policy supported by Brighton skipper Dunk.

De Zerbi said: “I love Joao Pedro and I know his potential and how he can become important for us. But I think he can reach a higher level.” Dunk knows the ruthless Italian won’t be satisfied until he has squeezed every last ounce from each of his players as he looks to bring silverware to the south coast.