Brighton head coach Roberto De Zerbi set to leave at end of season amid links with European giants
Brighton & Hove Albion boss Roberto De Zerbi is leaving at the end of the season amidst links with Bayern Munich. The Italian has been at the Brighton helm since 2022.
De Zerbi has done a fabulous job at the club. In his first season at the helm, Brighton finished a creditable seventh, qualifying for Europe for the very first time in their history.
Their European sojourn ended in the Round of 16 of the UEFA Europa League this season, with a 4-1 aggregate defeat to AS Roma. Brighton are set to miss out on European football next season, as they're tenth with a game to go.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has reported that Brighton's season finale with Manchester United on Sunday (May 19) is set to be De Zerbi's last game in charge of the club as he looks to embark on a new chapter.
Sportbible has reported interest from Bayern Munich, who are looking for a new manager, with Thomas Tuchel leaving at the end of the season. Meanwhile, Brighton chairman Tony Bloom has said about the outgoing boss:
“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."
De Zerbi will look to end his memorable Brighton stint with a home win over United this weekend.
What Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi has said about leaving club?
Roberto De Zerbi has expressed his sadness to be leaving Brighton but is proud of his accomplishments at the Premier League club, especially their historic European campaign this season.
He now intends to take a break before deciding his next course of action, with Bayern looking like his next destination. Meanwhile, in a statement, the Italian said (as per Sky Sports):
"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.
Roberto De Zerbi concluded:
"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."
A win on the final day will confirm Brighton's finish in the top half of the standings.