Roberto De Zerbi remains fully focused on Brighton amid Barcelona, Liverpool links

Roberto De Zerbi is among the best-placed candidates to replace Xavi Hernandez as the manager of FC Barcelona in the summer.

The 44-year-old has done a brilliant job at Brighton & Hove Albion which has seemingly put him on the radars of top clubs who are looking at a change of managers at the end of the season.

As such, along with Barcelona, Liverpool have also taken an interest in the Italian tactician as a replacement for Jurgen Klopp.

More recently, Bayern Munich have also been linked with a move for De Zerbi, with Thomas Tuchel set to depart once the season is over.

De Zerbi focused on Brighton job

Earlier today, De Zerbi was asked about the speculations over his future and the links to top clubs like Barcelona and Liverpool heading into the summer.

But the Italian tactician, who has also managed clubs like Sassuolo and Shakhtar Donetsk in the past, insisted that he is fully focused on Brighton at this moment.

“I have only Brighton in my head. I have decided nothing and I’m under contract here. I’d like to finish the season in the best way with our young players. My focus is on Brighton, 100%,” said De Zerbi, as quoted by Fabrizio Romano.

De Zerbi comes with Guardiola’s recommendation

De Zerbi’s work at Brighton has been recognised and praised by many within the football fraternity, with Manchester City manager and Barcelona legend Pep Guardiola also among the Italian’s admirers.

The former Barça head coach has endorsed De Zerbi and has reportedly recommended his name to the club, following which Joan Laporta has been watching him and Brighton’s matches closely.

However, the manager’s €15 million buyout clause would pose a challenge for the Blaugrana.