(Football news) Premier League club Brighton have appointed Roberto De Zerbi as Graham Potter’s replacement on a four year contract. The Italian was previously manager of Ukrainian club Shakhtar Donetsk but was forced to leave due to Russia’s invasion. He has previously managed Italian club Sassuolo, leading them to two eighth place finishes in the Serie A and also won the Ukrainian Super Cup with Shakhtar. 

Brighton chairman Tony Bloom along with chief executive Paul Barber and David Weir met with De Zerbi in London earlier this week to reach an agreement with not just the manager but also his coaching staff, who are expected to be in the dugout for the team’s match against Liverpool on Saturday. The Seagulls have had a fantastic start to their Premier League campaign and are currently fourth on the table, however, it remains to be seen if their performances continue after previous manager Graham Potter left for Chelsea. 

Speaking about the appointment, Brighton chairman Tony Bloom said “I am absolutely thrilled Roberto has agreed to become our new head coach. Roberto's teams play an exciting and courageous brand of football, and I am confident his style and tactical approach will suit our existing squad superbly." Technical director David Weir said, "Roberto has shown his undoubted ability with his work in Italy and Ukraine, and what he achieved at Sassuolo certainly stands out. 

"In his short spell with Shakhtar he enjoyed further success, leading the club to cup success and topping the Ukrainian league before the war brought an abrupt halt to his time there. We are delighted to welcome Roberto and we look forward to introducing him to our squad as well as providing all the support he needs to introduce his coaching philosophy and help the players continue their brilliant start to the season." 

Deputy chairman and chief executive Paul Barber added, "We looked at a range of excellent candidates but Roberto was our number one choice from the start and the only person we spoke to. It's no secret our chairman is constantly monitoring potential coaches, both here in our domestic leagues, throughout Europe and across the world as part of our succession planning work. We feel Roberto is the ideal cultural and technical fit for Brighton & Hove Albion, and the right person to continue the club's progress and work with this outstanding group of players." 

With the international break in place, De Zerbi has two weeks to organise his backroom staff and ensure that his team are prepared to face a tough test against Liverpool on Saturday, October 1st. Brighton will then face Tottenham Hotspur on October 8th followed by a trip to Brentford on October 14th. The Seagulls will then welcome newly promoted Nottingham Forest four days later and will then face reigning champions Manchester City on October 22nd at the Etihad Stadium. Their final game of the month will see former manager Graham Potter return to the Amex Stadium with Chelsea on October 29th.

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