Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi sensationally quits – and his last match is tomorrow

Italian De Zerbi joined the Seagulls in September 2022 and enjoyed immediate success – taking the club to their highest-ever top-flight finish of sixth

Posted Sunday, May 19, 2024 by Dailystar.co.uk

Brighton head coach Roberto de Zerbi will leave his post after Sundays home match against Manchester United, the Premier League club have announced.

The Italian joined Albion in September 2022 after Graham Potter left for Chelsea and enjoyed immediate success, taking the club to their highest-ever top-flight finish of sixth.

That secured a campaign in this season's Europa League and saw De Zerbi linked with a number of high-profile jobs.

Brighton and De Zerbi made the last 16 of the Europa League, while they sit 10th in the Premier League with a game to go.

"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," club chairman Tony Bloom said in a statement.

"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."

De Zerbi said: "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."

The former Shakhtar boss added: "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."

De Zerbi can still secure a top-half finish before moving on to whatever lies ahead. Three points against United on Sunday will lock up 10th place, and they could still secure 10th if they draw or lose and other results go their way.