Brighton announces the departure of Roberto De Zerbi!

European football specialists had already noticed the phenomenon in Sassuolo. After a successful stint in Ukraine with Shakhtar Donetsk in 2021-2022, the Italian technician confirmed all the expectations placed on him. Author of a remarkable 2022-2023 vintage on the Seagulls bench, the 44-year-old coach has proven that he can stand up to any Premier League team. Relying on a methodical game capable of causing harm to any opponent, De Zerbi’s paw was quickly scrutinized very closely. Finishing in sixth place on the other side of the Channel, the team from the south of England had stars in their eyes.

However, this season has been more complicated for the Sussex institution. Despite a historic participation in the Europa League, Kaoru Mitoma’s teammates have failed to exist in the championship and are in a sad tenth place. On the other hand, Roberto De Zerbi’s rating has not collapsed. Far from there. While a waltz of coaches is brewing this summer, his name often comes up at the heart of the rumors which link him to the big teams of the Old Continent. Not used to spending time within the clubs he manages, the Italian has not hesitated to put pressure on his leaders recently. Also a way to justify a possible departure towards a larger engine capacity.

Bayern Munich as a new step?

This Saturday, a departure is no longer a possibility. On its website, Brighton actually announced the end of its collaboration with De Zerbi at the end of the season: “Brighton & Hove Albion have confirmed that head coach Roberto De Zerbi will leave the club following tomorrow’s final Premier League match of the season against Manchester United at the American Express Stadium. De Zerbi, who joined Brighton in September 2022, following the departure of Graham Potter to Chelsea, has overseen the club’s highest finish in the top flight in 2022/23 and led the club to the UEFA Europa League last 16 earlier this season.» Chairman Tony Bloom said: “Roberto gave us two excellent seasons of service during which he led the club to new heights, including our first ever European campaign which will long be remembered by Albion fans. We have mutually agreed to terminate Roberto’s contract at a time convenient to both parties, allowing us to plan for next season as quickly as possible, and giving Roberto ample time to think about his next move and his future. I’m sure our fans will give Roberto and his team a wonderful and well-deserved treat at the Amex before, during and after tomorrow’s game. In the meantime, I would like to thank Roberto and his team for all their hard work over the past two seasons. They all leave our club in good conditions and with our best wishes for the future.»

For his part, the former striker with a modest background expressed his sadness at the idea of ​​leaving the club that he propelled to the forefront: “I am very sad to leave Brighton, but I am very proud of what my players and my team have achieved with the support of everyone at the club and our incredible 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 best suits each of us, following our own ideas and visions, as well as our work and human values. I have thoroughly enjoyed an intense and challenging two years working in the Premier League, including taking part in four major competitions this season. Leaving now gives me time to take a break before deciding on my future plans.» So, what future holds for Roberto De Zerbi. Linked to Liverpool or FC Barcelona in the past, his destiny seems to send him to Bayern Munich. Indeed, while the situation is not evolving regarding the retention of Thomas Tuchel, seeing Roberto De Zerbi be free should delight the Bavarian leaders who risk launching major maneuvers in the coming days. According to the German press, Max Eberl, the Munich sports director, has made the Italian coach a priority.