Roberto De Zerbi says he is relishing his Albion challenge – despite a host of injuries.

The head coach is hoping for additions in the January transfer market.

But he said today he enjoys looking to develop younger players in the demanding environment of the Premier League.

De Zerbi appeared to worry some fans with his replies to questions after last week’s draw at Crystal Palace.

He said today: “You have to respect myself. I love speaking honestly and I cannot say anything that isn’t in my head.

“I said what I think, what is the truth.

“But I love working in this club, with this policy and, while I enjoy it, I accept to work like this.

“It is an honour for me and nothing changed.

“But, if you ask me any question, I usually answer with the truth, my truth.

“I don’t love speaking in a different way.”

Simon Adingra and Kaoru Mitoma have been added to an injury list which now stretches to eight senior players.

But De Zerbi said: “Without these injured players we don’t change our ambition.

“We are going to play to win every game.

“We are going to play to win in the next games in the Europa League.

“Nothing changed in terms of ambition, in terms of motivation.”

Albion have made some tactical tweaks after losing key men.

De Zerbi said: “I am very happy because I am working a lot.

“I am working more than last season and I am improving a lot.

“When there are a lot of problems, we have to work better and harder.

“And so I am changing something on the pitch.

“I have to think better and in a different way because I have to respect the characteristic of the players and I have to find the balance with the ball, without the ball, in defensive space, in pressure, in build-up – keeping the idea because I can’t change my idea, I can’t change my DNA.

“Without eight players you have to change something, to find a different solution, to find a different tactical disposition, to keep the idea, the style that makes sense of my idea.”