Ollie Watkins scored three goals, helping in-form Villa mercilessly defeat high-flying Albion in a match that may be pivotal in the fight for a place in the European League next season.
It was undoubtedly one of De Zerbi’s worst performances, and it was Brighton’s third loss in four games overall.
What went wrong was a question the Italian faced after the game.
“It’s not a problem of physicality. First of all, when we lose this type of game, it’s my responsibility.
“When you lose 6-1, the biggest responsibility is the coach.”
De Zerbi claimed his team ‘are not ready to compete’ every three days but admitted the first XI ‘was fresh’, with nine changes from the Carabao Cup defeat at Chelsea on Wednesday night.
“Veltman, Webster, Dunk, Gilmour, March, Welbeck, Ferguson and Steele didn’t play Wednesday,” De Zerbi said.
“The physical energy is not enough. In football, you have to be ready to give your best.
“Today, we could lose the game. We could play bad. But we can’t lose every tackle, every duel, every second ball. Otherwise you lose the game in this way.”
But the Seagulls’ boss remained defiant ahead of the much anticipated Europa League match in Marseille on Thursday.
He said: “I believe in my players. I have big confidence in my people inside of the dressing room.
“We are suffering a lot for this defeat. We are sorry for our fans, for our club.
“But sometimes it can happen to lose in this way. Especially if you are not ready.
“You have to adapt quickly. On Thursday, you will see another Brighton.”
