Roberto De Zerbi is set for a swift return to management after stepping down as Brighton boss at the end of the 2023/24 season.
Roberto De Zerbi, 45, parted ways with Brighton following their final game of the season against Manchester United, reaching a “mutual agreement” with the Premier League club.
Previously the head coach of Shakhtar Donetsk, De Zerbi joined Brighton in September 2022 on a four-year contract. During the 2022/23 season, he led the team to a sixth-place finish, their highest ever in the top flight, earning them European qualification for the first time in the club’s history. However, the following season proved more challenging, with Brighton finishing 11th amid numerous injuries to key players.
After leaving Brighton, De Zerbi was linked to several top Premier League clubs, including Liverpool, Manchester United, and Chelsea. Liverpool chose Arne Slot as their first-ever head coach, while Chelsea appointed former Leicester boss Enzo Maresca to succeed Mauricio Pochettino. Although De Zerbi reportedly had discussions with Manchester United to replace Erik ten Hag, Sir Jim Ratcliffe decided to retain the Dutch manager for another season.
With limited options to remain in English football, De Zerbi is poised to return to management abroad, reportedly nearing a deal to become the new manager of Marseille. Italian journalist Michele Criscitiello claims that De Zerbi is “very close” to finalizing an agreement with the French club, viewing the move to Ligue 1 as a significant step forward in his career.
Following his departure from Brighton, De Zerbi expressed uncertainty about his next move but emphasized his appreciation for the opportunities the club provided him. “We didn’t find the agreement to move on,” he told the BBC. “I know very well what I want to do, and I know I am a coach and have to accept the policies of the club. They gave me an incredible chance to work in the Premier League and play in the Europa League. They gave me the opportunity to know this club, this city, these fans, and for that, I cannot forget.”
This is a developing story from the SPORTbible team and will be updated as more information becomes available. For the latest updates, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Stay tuned for further developments.
