Brighton & Hove Albion have announced that Roberto De Zerbi will leave the Premier League club at the end of the season.
The respected Italian head coach joined Albion in September 2022 after Graham Potter left the club to join Chelsea. He found immediate success and took the club to a new level last season, achieving a record sixth place in the top flight to qualify for the Europa League.
“Retiring now gives me some time to rest before deciding on my future plans…”
They reached the finals of the Europa League, but were eliminated by AS Roma.This season as a whole has been a very difficult season. brighton And De Zerbi as their boss has been linked with a number of high-profile jobs, including Bayern Munich. They currently sit 10th in the Premier League with one game left.
“While I am very sad to be leaving Brighton, I am extremely proud of what our players and staff have achieved over the past two historic seasons with the support of everyone at the club and our fantastic fans.” De Zerbi said in a statement.
“We have agreed to end my time at Brighton so that the club and I can continue to work in the way that suits us best, according to our own ideas, visions and professional and human values.
“I have really enjoyed an intense and challenging two years working in the Premier League, particularly this season with appearances in four major competitions. “Retiring now will give me time to take a break before deciding on my future plans. is completed.”
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While this news may come as a shock to some, there has been considerable speculation about the 44-year-old’s future for some time.
Asked in March about his position and prospects for signing a new contract, he said: Contracts are part of the future. It’s important to me, it’s important to everyone, but it’s the small part, the big part is planning. We need to talk to the club.”
Brighton owner Tony Bloom said the breakup was mutual.
“Roberto has given us two fantastic seasons and has taken the club to new heights, not least of which was our first trip to Europe, which will remain in the memories of Albion fans for a long time.”
“We have decided to terminate Roberto’s contract at a mutually convenient time to give us the earliest opportunity to plan for next season and to give Roberto sufficient time to consider his next move and future. We mutually agreed to do so.
“I’m sure our fans will give Roberto and his staff a great and well-deserved send-off at the Amex before, during and after tomorrow’s game.
“In the meantime, I would like to thank Roberto and his staff for their hard work over the past two seasons. They all leave the club on good terms and wish them all the best for the future.”
