Manager Roberto De Zerbi to leave Brighton at end of season
Roberto De Zerbi will quit as manager of Brighton and Hove Albion after their final game of the season against Manchester United, the Premier League club announced on Saturday.
The Seagulls, who currently sit 10th in the table, face Erik ten Hag's side at the Amex Stadium in the final round of fixtures on Sunday.
The Italian joined the south coast team in September 2022 on a four-year contract after a short spell as coach of Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk.
He had previously managed Sassuolo in Italy's Serie A for three seasons and, before that, several other Italian clubs including Foggia and Palermo.
But on Saturday, Brighton chairman Tony Bloom said: "We have mutually agreed to end Roberto's contract at a time that suits both parties allowing us the earliest opportunity to plan for next season, and Roberto plenty of time to consider his next move and his future,
"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."
Brighton finished sixth in the Premier League last season, the club’s highest ever top-flight finish. That finish gave them European qualification for the first time in their history.
In the Europa League this season, Brighton recorded victories Ajax, Marseille and AEK Athens to top their group before being knocked out in the last 16 by Roma.
"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," Bloom added.
"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."
De Zerbi, who arrived at Brighton after Graham Potter departed for Chelsea, said: "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.
"Leaving now provides me with time to take a break before deciding on my future plans.
"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."
Brighton 0 Manchester City 4 - in pictures
Kevin de Bruyne of Manchester City is challenged by Jan Paul van Hecke of Brighton during the Premier League match at Amex Stadium on April 25, 2024 in Brighton, England. Man City won the match 4-0 to move up to second in the table. Getty
Kevin de Bruyne puts Manchester City ahead with a looping header. Getty
Manchester City's Phil Foden, right, evades Brighton's Joao Pedro. AP
Brighton goalkeeper Jason Steele fails to save a free-kick from Phil Foden of Manchester City as the visitors went 2-0 up. Getty
Manchester City's Phil Foden celebrates scoring his team's second goal. AFP
Manchester City's Phil Foden in action. Reuters
Julian Alvarez of Manchester City is tackled by Simon Adingra of Brighton & Hove Albion. Getty
Julian Alvarez of Manchester City celebrates scoring his team's fourth goal. Getty
Manchester City's Phil Foden manager Pep Guardiola share an embrace at the final whistle. AFP