Roberto De Zerbi Exits Brighton Without Next Job Lined Up After Final Match

Roberto De Zerbi has clarified that he does not have another job lined up after overseeing his final game as Brighton and Hove Albion manager on Sunday. Following the unexpected announcement of De Zerbi's departure, Brighton concluded their Premier League season with a 2-0 home defeat to Manchester United. This result saw them slip below rivals Crystal Palace, finishing 11th in the table, marking their first bottom-half finish since placing 16th in the 2020-21 season.

De Zerbi, who led Brighton to European qualification last season, has been linked with several major clubs, including Bayern Munich, Milan, and Napoli. However, he insists that no agreements have been reached with any club. "There isn't any club—no-one offered me anything. At the moment, nothing," De Zerbi told reporters. "I hope to work in the Premier League again. I don't know where or when, but it was an honour to work in the Premier League. They gave me the possibility to know incredible people."

Sunday's match marked De Zerbi's 70th Premier League game in charge of Brighton. His top-flight win percentage of 37 per cent (26/70) is the highest of any manager in the Seagulls' history. Despite dealing with a lengthy injury list for much of the 2023-24 season, Brighton made a total of 143 changes to their starting lineup throughout the campaign. Only Manchester City in 2019-20 made more changes in a single Premier League season with 144.

When asked by BBC Match of the Day if there was a specific reason for his departure, De Zerbi responded: "We didn't find the agreement to move on. I want to keep my way. I know very well what I want to do and I know I am a coach and I have to accept the policies of the club." He expressed gratitude for his time at Brighton, saying, "They gave me an incredible chance. They gave me the possibility to know incredible people, to play and to work in the Premier League, to play in the Europa League. They gave me the opportunity to know this club, this city, these fans and that I cannot forget."

Potential candidates to replace De Zerbi include Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna and Nice coach Francesco Farioli. Brighton is known for its effective succession planning under owner Tony Bloom. Commenting on the search for a new manager, Bloom stated: "We always try and have a plan. We have got a plan. We now need to execute that plan."

Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) May 19, 2024