Former Brighton head coach Roberto De Zerbi has reportedly agreed in principle to become Marseille’s new manager on a three-year deal.
- De Zerbi left Brighton in May
- Linked with Chelsea and Man Utd
- Looks set to take over at Marseille
WHAT HAPPENED?
The Italian left Brighton at the end of last season, after failing to find an “agreement” with club owner Tony Bloom. The 45-year-old was linked with Manchester United, amid the uncertainty over Erik ten Hag’s future, and Chelsea, before Enzo Maresca succeeded Mauricio Pochettino, but now journalist Mohamed Bouhafsi says an agreement has been struck for him to join Marseille.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Bouhafsi claims De Zerbi could be appointed within the next 48 hours after discussions weren’t progressing fast enough for Marseille in their efforts to recruit former FC Porto boss Sergio Conceicao. The ex-Sassuolo coach reportedly turned down another English team this month and has met with the Ligue 1 side’s representatives repeatedly. Ergo, his time out of the game could be very short.
DID YOU KNOW?
De Zerbi joined Brighton in October 2022 after leaving Shakhtar Donetsk earlier that year following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. In his first season in charge of the Seagulls, he led them to their highest-ever Premier League finish of sixth and oversaw their first-ever Europa League campaign before parting ways with Albion last month.
WHAT NEXT?
Ex-Shakhtar Donetsk boss De Zerbi is known for his obsessive work and attention to detail so even though the new season does not begin until August, he is likely to begin preparations for the upcoming campaign straight away.
