Roberto De Zerbi’s departure from Brighton by mutual consent marks the end of an era for the club. In a statement, De Zerbi expressed his sentiments, saying, “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.”
This departure comes after a successful period for the Italian manager, who took the reins at Brighton in September 2022 following Graham Potter’s departure for Chelsea. De Zerbi’s immediate impact led Brighton to their highest-ever top-flight finish of sixth, securing a campaign in this season’s Europa League and sparking interest from other clubs.
Under De Zerbi’s guidance, Brighton made it to the last 16 of the Europa League and currently sit 10th in the Premier League with one game remaining. Despite this success, there had been ongoing speculation about the 44-year-old’s future at the club. Alongside De Zerbi, several other individuals, including Andrea Maldera, Ricard Segarra, Marcattilio Marcattilii, Vincenzo Teresa, Agostino Tibaudi, Marcello Quinto, and Enrico Venturelli, will also depart after Brighton’s final Premier League game.
“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,” 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 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.”
Asked in March about his position and the prospect of signing a new deal, he said: “We didn’t find the agreement. The contract is a part of the future. It’s important for me, it’s important for everyone but it’s a small part, the big part is the plan. We have to speak with the club.”
“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,” he said.
“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.”
While the departure of these key figures may come as a surprise to the fans, it signals a new chapter for Brighton. Despite the changes, coaches Andrew Crofts and Jack Stern will continue their roles at the club, providing continuity during this transitional period. As Brighton prepares for the next phase, the departure of De Zerbi and others signifies both a challenging and exciting time for the club as they seek to build on the foundation laid during De Zerbi’s tenure.
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