Brighton & Hove Albion have appointed Roberto De Zerbi as their new head coach.
The AthleticReports from Brighton state that De Zerbi was close to being appointed Sunday morning earlierHe has signed a four year deal, which is subject to a work permit.
After Graham Potter’s departure, the south coast club was looking to fill the vacant managerial role. ChelseaSeptember 9
De Zerbi was Brighton’s first choice from the start of the process and they did not speak to anyone else.
The 43-year old met with Tony Bloom, the chief executive of Brighton, and David Weir, technical director.
On De Zerbi’s arrival, Bloom said, “I am absolutely thrilled Roberto has agreed to become our new head coach. Roberto’s teams play an exciting and courageous brand of football, and I am confident his style and tactical approach will suit our existing squad superbly.”
Barber added, “We looked at a range of excellent candidates but Roberto was our number one choice from the start and the only person we spoke to.
“It’s no secret our chairman is constantly monitoring potential coaches, both here in our domestic leagues, throughout Europe and across the world as part of our succession planning work.
“We feel Roberto is the ideal cultural and technical fit for Brighton & Hove Albion, and the right person to continue the club’s progress and work with this outstanding group of players.”
De Zerbi arrives in Brighton after having left a club. After having played at Sassuolo, he had been appointed to the Ukrainian side Shakhtar Dotesk. Serie AHowever, she resigned after 14 months. Russia’s invasion of the country.
The primary reason De Zerbi’s appointment has taken time to finalise is that he is bringing with him all the backroom staff that he took from Sassuolo to Shakhtar Donetsk to replace the coaches Potter took to Chelsea. Some of these staff may need work permits to start at Brighton.
The former AC Milan and Napoli midfielder has built a reputation for a possession-based, attacking style which, together with his record of improving teams, caught the eye of Brighton’s hierarchy.
Brighton’s next fixture is against LiverpoolAnfield, October 1.
(Photo: Getty Images
