Roberto de Zerbi will step down as Brighton manager after Sunday's final home game of the season against Manchester United, it has been announced.
De Zerbi, 44, has spent the past 20 months at Brighton, leading the Seagulls to a record sixth place in the top flight and their first-ever trip to Europe last season.
The Seagulls advanced to the last 16 of the Europa League this season, but the second half of the season was very sluggish, with reports circulating that De Zerbi might leave due to injuries.
It has now been confirmed that the Italian manager will stay on after the match against United, and the Seagulls know that a win will essentially guarantee them a top-10 finish.
Brighton chairman thanks Roberto de Zerbi
Brighton chairman Tony Bloom said: “Roberto has given us two fantastic seasons and has taken the club to new heights. His first trip to Europe in particular will remain in the memories of Albion fans for a long time.” Ta.
“We have decided to terminate Roberto's contract at a mutually convenient time to give us the earliest opportunity to plan for next season and to give Roberto sufficient time to consider his next move and future. We have mutually agreed that our fans will give Roberto and his staff a great and well-deserved send-off at the Amex before, during and after tomorrow's game. I would like to thank Roberto and his staff for their hard work over the past two seasons. They all leave the club on good terms and wish them all the best for the future.”
Roberto De Zerbi added: “I'm very sad to be leaving Brighton, but I'm extremely proud of what the players and staff have achieved with the support of everyone at the club and our fantastic fans over the past two historic seasons.” .
“We have agreed to end my time at Brighton so that the club and I can continue to work in the way that suits us best, according to our own ideas, visions and professional and human values. I have really enjoyed two intense and challenging years working in the Premier League, particularly this season, playing in four major competitions, and retiring now gives me time to take a break before deciding on my future plans. It was done.”
Brighton have also resigned as coaches Andrea Mardella, Ricard Segarra, Marcatilio Marcatili, Vincenzo Teresa, Agostino Tibaudi, Marcello Quinto and Enrico Venturelli, and replaced Andrew Crofts. Coach and Coach Jack Stern announced that they will remain.
What’s next for Brighton and De Zerbi?
The Italian manager has introduced an intense, possession-based, high-pressing style to Brighton, taking them to new heights that no one thought possible after Graham Potter leaves for Chelsea in September 2022. led.
However, De Zerbi has clearly been looking for a new challenge for some time now, with jobs at Liverpool, Manchester United and Bayern Munich among others being rumored. His work at Brighton was very impressive and mirrored his great work at Sassuolo in Italy, so he will obviously land at a huge club in Europe (probably Bayern Munich). But Brighton appears to have run out of financial limitations with its buy-low, sell-high model.
When it comes to Brighton, the manager and players usually choose the left-sided option, so it's anyone's guess which direction Tony Bloom will go. But it's safe to say he'll be a player who plays attractive football and builds on what Potter started. And De Zerbi has made tweaks over the past two seasons. Kieran McKenna, who did wonders for Ipswich Town's promotion to the Premier League, is expected to be Brighton's main target.
Another name to keep an eye on is Russell Martin. He has done a very good job with Southampton, who are in the Championship play-off final, and is a Brighton native and fan of the club, making him the favorite to replace De Zerbi. past. His style of football will suit this Brighton team very well.
The last name is Graham Potter's return, anyone? Brighton fans were not happy to see Potter leave for Chelsea in September 2022, but he and the club fit in well.
