After two successful years, Roberto de Zerbi says goodbye to Brighton & Hove Albion after the last game against Manchester United on Sunday. The departure comes as a surprise
It was a classic Pep formulation, but in this case it was also an expression of genuine admiration. “Roberto de Zerbi is one of the most influential coaches of the last 20 years”, Guardiola declared in May 2023: “There is no team that plays like this. It’s unique.”
De Zerbi ended his first season at Brighton & Hove Albion in an outstanding sixth place. The Seagulls started their second season in the Europa League and only lost in the round of 16 to the eventual semi-finalists from Rome (0:4, 1:0). Brighton are only 10th in the Premier League ahead of the final matchday – and yet de Zerbi appeared on practically every wish list. Even on Bayern’s.
Last week, however, there were many indications that the 44-year-old will remain loyal to the Brighton & Hove Albion project after all. “If you ask me if there is any club that can change my mind: No, there isn’t,” de Zerbi clarified to The Athletic.
Bloom speaks of “two excellent seasons “
The club’s official announcement on Saturday afternoon was all the more surprising. De Zerbi and Brighton will go their separate ways after the final Premier League game against Manchester United on Sunday.
In the press release, owner Tony Bloom, a poker millionaire, spoke of “two outstanding seasons”, with the European adventure in particular “one that will live long in the memory of the fans”.
“We have mutually agreed to end Roberto’s contract at a time that suits both parties and gives us the earliest possible opportunity to plan for next season – and gives Roberto enough time to think about his next move and his future,” Bloom said.
There was no bad blood between the two parties. De Zerbi emphasized that both sides could now implement their “own ideas and visions”. “If I quit now, I can give myself a break before deciding on my future,” explained de Zerbi.
Andrea Maldera, Ricard Segarra, Marcattilio Marcattilii, Vincenzo Teresa, Agostino Tibaudi, Marcello Quinto and Enrico Venturelli from his coaching team are also leaving the Seagulls. Only Andrew Crofts and Jack Stern remain with Brighton