Pep Guardiola’s Role In Roberto De Zerbi’s Appointment
Following Graham Potter’s appointment as Chelsea’s manager on a five-year contract to succeed Thomas Tuchel, Brighton has been in a back-and-forth tussle to replace the Englishman. The Seagulls have, however, opted for the services of Robert De Zerbi, who has been out of work since the Russia-Ukraine war, to continue Potter’s explosive start to the season.
Shortly after Thomas Tuchel’s sack, Graham Potter waved off competition from Mauricio Pochettino and Zinedine Zidane as Chelsea’s preferred option.
Potter has previously managed Swansea as well as Östersund and Brighton. He lifted the Swedish club into the top flight and led them into the Europa League while also achieving Brighton’s highest top-flight finish last season: ninth.
“I am incredibly proud and excited to represent Chelsea FC, this fantastic football club,” Potter said in a statement on the club’s website.
“I am very excited to partner with Chelsea’s new ownership group and look forward to meeting and working with the exciting group of players and developing a team and culture that our amazing fans can be proud of.”
“I would also like to place my sincere thanks to Brighton & Hove Albion for allowing me this opportunity and in particular Tony Bloom and all the players, staff, and supporters for their continued support during my time at the club.” -Potter told the club’s official website
Brighton appeared to have moved on from Potter’s legacy appointing Roberto De Zerbi as the new head coach. The 43-year-old Italian became a free agent after the league’s suspension in Ukraine and previously managed Sassuolo, among other clubs.
“I am 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.”
Brighton technical director David Weir added that he hopes De Zerbi can help the players “continue their brilliant start to the season”.- Brighton’s manager expressed his delight over the appointment of the experienced coach.
Pep Guardiola Influences Roberto De Zerbi’s Decision
Roberto De Zerbi’s priority is to implement his coaching style and tactics to suit Brighton’s pattern alongside cementing a finish in the top half of the table.
The new Italian boss relishes the challenge put to him by the board. In a recent interview, he reveals Pep Guardiola’s impact in his big move to the Seagulls.
“I spoke to Pep on Sunday evening, yes. He’s very happy that I’m on board here,” said De Zerbi, who was head coach of Shakhtar Donetsk before resigning from his role in July due to the ongoing war in Ukraine.”
“He told me very good things about the club, and if I need he will be very happy to help me — but of course, not in the match we are playing against them!”
De Zerbi is delighted to get started in his new role despite his shortcomings in the language spoken. The boss has his goals set amidst other requirements set by the board at the end of the season.
“I’m sorry for my English, my goal is to start to speak English by January. I’m very happy to be here, I’m very happy to be the new head coach, and I want to say thank you to the chairman and the club. I have studied every single player, and I will do a very good job.”
While the footballing world is on an international break, the experienced coach would be busy with the implementation of his tactics into the fast-paced English style.