Brighton Appoint Former Sassuolo Coach De Zerbi To Replace Potter

Brighton have confirmed the appointment of Roberto De Zerbi as their new coach following the departure of Graham Potter to Chelsea.

De Zerbi has put pen to paper on a four-year deal at the Amex Stadium.

The Italian became popular following his time with Sassuolo from 2020-2021 when he led them to eighth place finish and also adopted an attacking, entertaining style of play.

He left the Italian club at the end of the 2021 season to take up a coaching job at Shakhtar Donetsk in Ukraine.

De Zerbi left Ukraine after the 2021-22 season was suspended following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Brighton chief executive Paul Barber confirmed that De Zerbi was the only candidate that the club was interested in holding talks with.

“We looked at a range of excellent candidates but Roberto was our No 1 choice from the start and the only person we spoke to.

"We feel Roberto is the ideal cultural and technical fit for Brighton and Hove Albion and the right person to continue the club's progress and work with this outstanding group of players."

De Zerbi is expected to be in charge of his first Brighton game after the international break when Brighton visits Liverpool on October 1.

We are delighted to confirm the appointment of Roberto De Zerbi as the club’s new head coach! ? pic.twitter.com/tNoNZfFaxQ

— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) September 18, 2022