Roberto De Zerbi will leave Brighton after tomorrow’s final Premier League game of the season against Manchester United.
De Zerbi’s shock departure comes amid constant speculation over his future and the Seagulls’ declining form, but he leaves by mutual consent.
The Italian has been heavily linked with Bayern Munich, with the German giants confirming yesterday Thomas Tuchel will definitely not continue as head coach.
De Zerbi replaced Graham Potter in September 2022 and took Brighton to the last 16 of the Europa League this season after achieving the club’s highest-ever top-flight finish in 2022-23.
But the highest the Seagulls can manage this season is 10th, with as low as 13th still a possibility if results do not go their way on Sunday.
The majority of De Zerbi’s coaching staff – Andrea Maldera, Ricard Segarra, Marcattilio Marcattili, Vincenzo Teresa, Agostino Tibaudi, Marcello Quinto and Enrico Venturelli – will also leave the club, while Andrew Crofts and Jack Stern will remain.
Brighton owner 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.
“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.”
And De Zerbi 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.”
from Football - inews.co.uk https://ift.tt/LIXhua1
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