Brighton & Hove Albion have announced that Head Coach, Roberto De Zerbi will leave the club at end of 2023-24 season.
De Zerbi replaced Graham Potter in September 2022 after the latter left for an ultimately failed six-month stint at Chelsea, and managed to guide the Seagulls to a sixth-place Premier League finish last season – which meant Europa League qualification for the first time in their history.
This season though has proven tougher with injuries and inconsistent results as Brighton currently lie 10th going into the final day of the season tomorrow (19 May).
Addressing his decision to depart the club, De Zerbi commented: “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.
“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.”
Chairman, Tony Bloom added that the decision to part company was “mutually agreed” between manager and club to enable enough time to prepare for next season.
Bloom nevertheless praised De Zerbi for delivering unprecedented success for the club and urged fans to give him a send-off to remember at home to Manchester United.
“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.
“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.”
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