Roberto De Zerbi has been named the new head coach of Brighton on a four-year contract.
Brighton Ropes Roberto De Zerbi as new head coach
Following quitting Shakhtar Donetsk in July as a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the Italian has been jobless ever since. Before moving to Shakhtar, he was the manager of Serie A team Sassuolo for three years.
With two eighth-place results in Serie A while playing for Sassuolo and winning the Ukrainian Super Cup with Shakhtar the previous year, De Zerbi received acclaim for his brand of game.
De Zerbi met the chairman Tony Bloom, the CEO Paul Barber, and David Weir previously this week in London. On Friday, he took a flight to Brighton, where he spent the rest of the weekend watching an amex welcoming that was played behind closed doors.
Additionally, Brighton and De Zerbi’s coaching staff have reached an agreement, and the two sides want to have the group assembled in time for their Premier League matchup against Liverpool the following Saturday.
Graham Potter left for Chelsea earlier this month, leaving Brighton in fourth place in the Premier League and searching for a new manager.
“I am beyond happy that Roberto has agreed to become our new head coach,” said chairman Tony Bloom. The football played by Roberto’s teams is thrilling and courageous, and I am certain that our current group will benefit much from his playing style and tactical philosophy.
According to technical director David Weir, “Roberto has demonstrated his undeniable talent with his work in Italy and Ukraine, and what he accomplished at Sassuolo unquestionably stands out.
He continued that they are thrilled to have Roberto join team, and they look forward to introducing him to the players. The team will also provide him all the support he needs to share his coaching philosophies with the group and assist the players build on their outstanding start to the season.
Paul Barber, the company’s deputy chairman and chief executive, continued, “We looked at a range of fantastic individuals, but Roberto was our top pick from the beginning and the only one we spoke to.
It’s no secret that as part of our succession planning efforts, our chairman continually monitors potential coaches in our home leagues, across Europe, and around the world.
