Roberto De Zerbi QUITS Brighton as club release shock statement with manager wanted by Bayern Munich and Barcelona
BRIGHTON have announced that Roberto de Zerbi is leaving the club.
A statement from the Seagulls announced the shock move ahead of their final game of the season against Manchester United on Sunday.
It comes amid speculation linking the Italian to European giants Barcelona and Bayern Munich.
A club statement said: “Brighton & Hove Albion has confirmed that head coach Roberto de Zerbi will leave the club after tomorrow’s final Premier League match of the season against Manchester United at the American Express Stadium.”
De Zerbi, 44, took over the club following the departure of Graham Potter to Chelsea in September 2022.
He went on to lead the Seagulls to a best-ever league finish of sixth.
However, they have not flown as high this season, with Brighton down in 10th place in the league and suffering a last-16 exit in the Europa League.
Chairman Tony Bloom said: “Roberto has given us two excellent seasons of service in which he has led the club to new heights, not least our first ever European campaign which will live long in the memory of Albion fans.
“We have mutually agreed to end Roberto’s contract at a time that suits both parties allowing us the earliest opportunity to plan for next season, and Roberto plenty of time to consider his next move and his future.
“I am sure our fans will give Roberto and his staff a wonderful and fully deserved send off at the Amex before, during and after tomorrow’s match.
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“In the meantime, I’d like to thank Roberto and his staff for all their hard work in the past two seasons. They all leave our club on good terms and with our very best wishes for the future.”
De Zerbi also released a statement.
It said: “I am very sad to be leaving Brighton, but I am very proud of what my players and staff have achieved with the support of everyone at the club and our amazing fans in the past two historical 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 each of us best, following our own ideas and visions, as well as our work and human values.
“I have really enjoyed an intense and challenging two years working in the Premier League, not least competing in four major competitions this season.
“Leaving now provides me with time to take a break before deciding on my future plans.”
Inside Roberto de Zerbi's Brighton spell
ROBERTO DE ZERBI'S spell at Brighton will come to an end following Sunday's Premier League season finale against Manchester United.
The Italian boss, 44, took over from Graham Potter in 2022 after his move to Chelsea.
De Zerbi quickly attracted the attention of some of Europe’s biggest clubs for his attack-minded approach to coaching.
He guided the Seagulls to sixth in the Premier League in his first season – earning them a first ever spot in European football.. in the Europa League no less.
Brighton topped a tough group which included Ajax, Marseille and AEK Athens but were KO’d in the last 16 by Roma.
Despite enduring a tougher season – with Brighton finishing tenth at best going into their final game – De Zerbi has been watched by the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Barcelona.
It’s expected De Zerbi will move to one of the latter two this summer with his Brighton contract ended via mutual agreement.
De Zerbi won 38 of his 88 matches on the south coast, losing just 28 times.
Prior to his time at Brighton, the Italian manager Shakhtar Donetsk, Sassuolo, Benevento, Palermo, Foggia and Darfa Boario.
De Zerbi will be followed by out of the club by seven members of staff.
Andrea Maldera, Ricard Segarra, Marcattilio Marcattilii, Vincenzo Teresa, Agostino Tibaudi, Marcello Quinto and Enrico Venturelli have also confirmed their exit.
However, coaches Andrew Crofts and Jack Stern will remain at the club.
Last year De Zerbi was hailed by Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola for the “unique” way his team played.
The Spaniard said: “There is no team playing the way they play – it’s unique.
“I had the feeling when he arrived the impact he would have in the Premier League would be great – I didn’t expect him to do it in this short space of time.
“He creates 20 or 25 chances per game, better by far than most opponents. He monopolises the ball in a way it hasn’t been for a long time. They deserve completely the success they have.”
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What next?
Reports in Germany suggest Bayern Munich sporting director Max Eberl has made the former Sassuolo boss the first choice candidate to take over the Bavarians with Thomas Tuchel leaving the club.
Meanwhile, Barcelona are also after a new manager after a double U-turn on the future of club icon Xavi.
Chelsea and Liverpool had also been linked with him earlier in the season, though Feyenoord boss Arne Slot has confirmed he will be taking over at the latter.
In the case of Brighton there are a number of prospects in the market.
They could choose to re-appoint Graham Potter with the English coach currently without a job.
England boss Gareth Southgate may be another option if he departs the Three Lions after the Euros and a move to Manchester United doesn’t come to fruition.
Former Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper is another option they may consider.
The Guardian have suggested the Seagulls may make an audacious swoop for Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna.
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