EPL Index
·18 February 2024
EPL Index
·18 February 2024
In an era where the managerial merry-go-round in football seems to spin ever faster, Roberto De Zerbi’s calm and collected demeanour at Brighton & Hove Albion offers a refreshing pause. Amid swirling rumours linking him to the likes of Barcelona and Liverpool, De Zerbi’s focus remains unwaveringly on the task at hand with the Seagulls. Thanks to Sean Walsh at 90 Min for shedding light on De Zerbi’s current mindset and future aspirations.
Since taking the helm at Brighton in September 2022, following Graham Potter’s departure to Chelsea, De Zerbi has not only maintained the club’s competitive edge but has elevated it to new heights. Under his guidance, Brighton achieved their highest-ever league finish in the Premier League, securing a spot in European competition for the first time. “We feel we can write another part of Brighton’s history,” De Zerbi stated, highlighting the collective drive within the club to surpass previous milestones and delight fans and stakeholders alike.
Despite his commitment to Brighton, De Zerbi acknowledges the allure of managing at the pinnacle of European football. “When I hear that big teams are interested in me it is an honour. I am proud, but my focus is on my work day-by-day,” he remarked. This statement reflects a professional who is not only flattered by attention from football’s elite clubs but also grounded in his current responsibilities.
De Zerbi’s aspirations are not confined to any single league or country. With a career that has seen him born as a player at AC Milan, his ambitions span the Premier League, Serie A, Bundesliga, La Liga, and the Champions League. “I love my country, I love Italy, I love Italian football. For sure one of my targets is to go back and work in my country, but I don’t know when is the time,” De Zerbi shared, encapsulating his desire to return to Italy while expressing contentment with his Premier League journey thus far.
At the heart of De Zerbi’s ethos is the belief that the quality of one’s work transcends geographical location. “But it is not a problem where you work, it is how you are working, not the place,” he affirms. This philosophy underpins his approach at Brighton, where his focus on day-to-day improvements has led to significant achievements, including topping a challenging Europa League group.
As De Zerbi navigates Brighton’s European adventure and Premier League campaign, the speculation about his future serves as a backdrop to a story still being written. His tenure at Brighton thus far is a testament to what can be achieved with dedication, vision, and a collective effort. Whether his future lies at the Amex Stadium or elsewhere, Roberto De Zerbi’s impact on Brighton & Hove Albion and his potential on the European stage will be a narrative worth following.
In a world where instant results often overshadow process and development, De Zerbi’s journey reminds us of the value of patience, hard work, and a clear vision for the future. Credit to Sean Walsh and 90 Min for bringing this insightful perspective on one of football’s most promising managerial talents.