Roberto De Zerbi told his goalkeepers they would not need their gloves in training, a former [Albion](https://www.theargus.co.uk/sport/albion/?ref=au) coach has revealed.
The Seagulls boss, now in charge at Marseille, was so keen for them to perfect their work with ball at feet, he said they would not need to use their hands in sessions at Lancing.
The revelation comes from former Albion goalkeeper coach Jack Stern in an interview with The Athletic.
De Zerbi enjoyed seeing his keepers play out from the back and gave Jason Steele frequent starts.
Steele’s work with ball at his feet was seen as being superior to that of Bart Verbruggen although the Dutchman has made strides in that aspect of his game.
Verbruggen eventually became the regular No.1 for De Zerbi in the final weeks of the 2023-24 season.
Stern, who appeared to enjoy working with the Italian, revealed: “He told me the goalkeepers didn’t need to wear gloves in training.
“He wanted everything to be about what they did with their feet and in possession.
“I remember laughing at him at first, thinking, ‘When we lose it and concede goals, you are going to come at me’.
“But he never questioned a goal that went in. What he _would_ question me and the goalkeepers about was the build-up and in possession.
“It was just so important to him.”
Stern and fellow goalkeeper coach Marco Knoop left Albion at the end of last season.