Albion have shown the qualities Roberto De Zerbi most demands as he takes stock of their season so far.

The Seagulls are drawing breath after a hectic few weeks in three competitions.

They are sixth in the Premier League and still in contention for qualification in the Europa League.

At the same time, they have won only one of their last six games across all competitions.

De Zerbi is concerned about a defensive record which has seen them concede ten in their last three games with a clean sheet still elusive.

Albion now have a break of almost two weeks before going to Manchester City.

De Zerbi said: “The most important thing for me has been the reaction after Villa Park.

“We started the game in Marseille, one of the best stadiums in Europe, and we started losing 2-0. After that moment, there was only one team on the pitch – Brighton.

“To do it, you have to show character, to show the right attitude, the right behaviour and passion. The most important thing in my idea of football is passion, is the character.

“After that we can speak about tactical disposition, the quality of the players, recruitment. But without that part of football, in my opinion, you can’t play or work in football.”

Adam Lallana and James Milner are among players working hard over the international break after being limited in their minutes so far.