Brighton manager Roberto de Zerbi has admitted he is yet to decide on his future at the club. With his current contract set to expire in 2026, the Italian tactician remains tight-lipped about his next move amid speculation linking him to the helm at Anfield.
Jurgen Klopp’s announcement to leave Liverpool at the end of the 2023-24 season has sparked a flurry of rumours, linking the likes of Xabi Alonso, De Zerbi, and Ruben Amorim to the club. However, Bayer Leverkusen boss Alonso has ruled himself out of the running, committing his future to the current Bundesliga table-toppers.
Roberto de Zerbi Undecided On Brighton Future
What Did He Say?
Ahead of Brighton’s crucial clash against Liverpool on Sunday, the Seagulls’ boss told reporters that discussions regarding a new contract have yet to materialize. According to Fabrizio Romano, he said: “Signing a new deal at Brighton? At the moment, no. I need to speak to Tony Bloom about the plan for the club in order to decide my future, I want to know what is the project. I want to keep my ambition.
“I want to know what is the plan, what is the project, what is the future because if I don’t feel comfortable, I don’t feel the right motivation, I can’t stay any longer.”
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The Italian also went on to say that he remains focused on the task at hand, steering his side through the final stretch of the Premier League campaign. Reflecting on his tenure thus far, he said: “My relationship with my players, my fans – I think it can’t change depending on the future. What we did is history, and we can’t forget it.”
Can Roberto de Zerbi Fill Klopp’s Boots?
Under his stewardship, Brighton have enjoyed a respectable position in the league, currently sitting ninth with 10 games remaining. Last season’s impressive sixth-place finish marked a historic achievement, securing European football for the team for the first time in their 122-year history.
The 44-year-old has been praised by Klopp for his style of play, with the Reds’ boss saying: “The way they play. It’s a really different way; I couldn’t coach that, it goes against my personality, but it’s a good watch. It’s very demanding for the players, clear positioning, pass in the right moment. He’s a top coach, he’s doing really well.”
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Despite a commendable run in the Europa League this season, AS Roma halted Brighton’s journey in the last 16. However, they find themselves in contention for European football next season, trailing seventh-placed West Ham by two points with two games in hand.
