Roberto De Zerbi will demand a reaction to Albion’s “blackout” at Luton.

The head coach sees a home date with Crystal Palace as a perfect chance to put things right after their 4-0 embarrassment at Kenilworth Road.

But, following some initial stinging criticism, he has been keen to stay right behind the players who have taken the club to undreamt of heights at home and in Europe.

De Zerbi said: “I believe in my players.

“In the (pre-match) press conference, I said the secret of Brighton is not the coach, it is not recruitment, it not the algorithm, it is not the former coaches.

“It is the quality of people inside the dressing room.

“Today it is more difficult to say like this, but I think they are smart.

“They have great value and they can analyse this day and we can learn thinking about this defeat – because this defeat I very, very, very tough.

“Luton played an amazing game, I think one of the best games this season.

“But I am sure we played the worst game of my time, not only in this season.”

Albion recovered from a 6-1 mauling at Aston Villa to earn a 2-2 draw at Marseille.

They followed last term's 5-1 home defeat by Everton with a sensational 3-0 success at Arsenal.