Most recently at Shakhtar Donetsk
Brighton have found a new head coach following Graham Potter’s departure to Chelsea. As the Seagulls confirmed on Sunday evening, Roberto De Zerbi will succeed him. The 43-year-old Italian signed a four-year contract. De Zerbi was most recently in charge of Shakhtar Donetsk from May 2021 to July 2022, averaging 2.17 points in 30 games with the top Ukrainian club.
“I am absolutely thrilled Roberto has agreed to become our new head coach,” chairman Tony Bloom said. “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.” Chief executive Paul Barber confirmed that De Zerbi has always been the club’s favourite. “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,” Barber said. German Bundesliga side Mainz 05’s Bo Svensson had also been linked with Brighton, who have made a strong start to the season and currently sit fourth in the table.
Ten days earlier, Potter had signed a five-year contract at Stamford Bridge, replacing the surprisingly sacked Thomas Tuchel. The 47-year-old Englishman had an exit clause in his contract with Brighton, valid until 2025, which according to the The Times amounted to £20 million (€23m).
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