De Zerbi's dream job revealed amid Chelsea, Man Utd and Liverpool links

Tom Weber

Updated: 23 Mar 2024 14:01 GMT
4 min read

Roberto de Zerbi, Brighton, 2023/24 — © IMAGO

In-demand coach Roberto de Zerbi would love to return to Italy, according to his assistant.

The Brighton boss is one of Europe's most sought-after commodities. Though the Seagulls have tailed off somewhat this term after a swashbuckling 2022/23 campaign, which was particularly evident in the embarrassing Europa League defeat to Roma, the Italian's stocks remain very high.

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Indeed, De Zerbi is held in such high regard that he continues to be linked with some of the biggest jobs in the football business. Liverpool and Bayern Munich view the 44-year-old as an alternative to top target Xabi Alonso, while Barcelona are also considering the Brighton head coach.

Chelsea and Man Utd, meanwhile, have discussed De Zerbi as a potential option should they decide to sack their current coaches, Mauricio Pochettino and Erik ten Hag. The latter are also considering England boss Gareth Southgate, though he has now shot down the links to the Red Devils.

Given that Brighton have been a bit underwhelming this term, speculation surrounding De Zerbi's future has been rampant, particularly after he publically aired his frustration in the wake of what he considered a disappointing January transfer window.

De Zerbi wants Napoli

De Zerbi's assistant coach Andrea Maldera has now spoken about the Italian's future. Though he insisted that De Zerbi is happy at Brighton, he did admit that he would struggle to turn down a return to Italy and that he would particularly enjoy taking charge of reigning champions Napoli.

"He is in love with Italy," Maldera told Kiss Kiss Napoli. "It is his country, and Napoli is among his favourite teams. We're fine at Brighton. We have another two years on our contract, then if a proposal came from Italy, and also from Naples, Roberto would take it into consideration. Why say no to a place like Naples?"

De Zerbi previously coached Palermo, Benevento and Sassuolo, among others, in his native Italy, first bursting onto the scene as one of Europe's most unique coaches during his three-year spell with the Neroverdi of Sassuolo.