Home advantage remains key for Bernardo if Brighton resume Premier League

Bernardo and the first team squad are back in phase one training after the season was halted due to Covid-19.

There was previously talk of playing out the remaining Premier League fixtures on neutral grounds. Bernardo feels running out at the Amex could help Brighton finish strongly - even though any potential matches will be contested behind closed doors.

Brighton have nine matches remaining and were two points above the relegation zone when the league was suspended.

“If we do play again, it’s good that it’s to be decided on the pitch, that is the fair way," said Bernardo. "I think playing at our home ground even without the supporters will make a difference to us.”

“When we play again it will be more than three months since the last match so we have had plenty of time to analyse the games since the start of the year to see what we did well and the things that we can make better.

“There are other teams in a similar situation who will have also had time to reorganise themselves but I am confident about ourselves. Everyone has come back to training really fit and committed and I think that might make a difference if we restart the league.”

Bernardo has been far from an automatic choice this season but has proved a reliable squad member for Graham Potter's team. The Brazilian is delighted to be back on the training and expects to receive more details regarding phase two and phase three training.

Bernardo added: “We are waiting for more information on how [phases 2 and 3] will work. I’m sure if I go to the club if I have any concerns, they will give me assurances.

“For an example, I have read a lot of articles about BAME people having a greater risk of getting Covid-19.

"I think phase one is totally okay as do the majority of the players because it’s safer to go to the training ground than, say, going to a park or running on the promenade in Brighton.

"The club have communicated regularly throughout the last few weeks and they will again I am sure with phases 2 and 3."

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