)
The Brighton & Hove Albion boss thinks the perceived notion that his approach is counter-cultural to Italian football means he is not seen as a winner like Jose Mourinho and Massimiliano Allegri.
Brighton & Hove Albion head coach Roberto De Zerbi has reprimanded the Italian media for continually portraying him as an antithesis to serial winners like Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri and erstwhile Inter and Roma trainer Jose Mourinho.
What De Zerbi said about continued comparisons with managers like Allegri and Mourinho
De Zerbi spoke to the media before his Brighton side face Roma in the return leg of their Europa League last-16 tie, in which they trail 4-0 after last week’s hammering at Stadio Olimpico.
The former Sassuolo boss is seen as an antithesis to Italian football, with non-stop questions about his expansive style and the broader preference for managers like Allegri and Mourinho, who favour a more defensive and pragmatic approach.
“I always try to take a position and be correct with everyone. I think that many of you [journalists] are unfair,” said De Zerbi as quoted by Voce Giallorossa. “I’ve never liked compromises. I’ve never called anyone, and I’ve never accepted compromises wanted by somebody else.
“Some people have emphasised this way of being divisive by comparing Giochisti [those who play good football] and Risultatisti [those who want to win]. I’ve always worked with passion and respect. There aren’t always competent and honest people among you [journalists], and when I found these people, I didn’t try to find a compromise. You can write anything you want. Of course, I am sorry because my family lives in Italy, and I feel it’s unfair to be so divisive. You do that, not the fans.
)
“Being divisive depends on you, not me. It depends on how you say things and your truths. I’ve always respected everyone, but there is no fairness in some judgements. I think you emphasise this division when you talk about ‘Giochisti’ and ‘Risultatisti.’
Sometimes, this happens in a not entirely transparent way because somebody among you is unfair. I respect almost everyone in your category but not those who do not respect others. I don’t talk to them, I don’t give them interviews, and I don’t accept compromises.”
)
Brighton vs Roma
Having been beaten by a heavy margin at the Olimpico last Thursday, De Zerbi’s Brighton side need a victory by four goals to force extra time, and they can secure an unanticipated success by winning by five goals or more to claim the aggregate victory over Daniele De Rossi’s men.
What comes next for De Zerbi and Brighton?
The Seagulls boss is constantly linked with the top jobs in the Premier League, with recent suggestions putting him in the conversation to manage Manchester United, Chelsea or even Liverpool after Jurgen Klopp departs.
)
13:56 - 27.02.2024
Ten Hag’s Manchester United future: De Zerbi eyed as Dutchman's replacement
Is Erik ten Hag’s time at Manchester United nearing its conclusion, as the Red Devils are reportedly keen on Brighton & Hove Albion’s Roberto De Zerbi?
)
22:03 - 26.01.2024
Roberto de Zerbi responds to Liverpool Job rumours following Klopp’s announcement
Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi reacts to rumours linking him with the Liverpool job after Jurgen Klopp announced he will leave come season's end.
After Brighton’s European fate is decided on Thursday, they return to league action after the international break to face title-chasing Liverpool, as this weekend’s meeting with Manchester City was postponed due to last year’s treble winners’ FA Cup participation against Newcastle United on March 16.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)