When Chelsea tempted Graham Potter away from Brighton in September last year, the Seagulls had one specific candidate in mind to replace him. Forward planning has been vital to the club’s success in recent years, and they believed that the charismatic Roberto De Zerbi was the right man to continue their incredible upward trajectory.
His appointment was evidence of Brighton’s faith in the structures they’ve put in place since chairman Tony Bloom took over in 2009, but also hinted at a continued evolution in playing style. Far removed from the old stereotype of the risk-averse, defensively-minded Italian manager, De Zerbi’s teams have always been proactive and fearless in possession. They are exciting to watch and typically involved in high-scoring games.
Where Potter was more flexible and reactive, notably tailoring his approach to the opposition, De Zerbi has a steadfast belief in certain key principles. He wants his side to control the rhythm of the game. The ball is kept on the floor as much as possible and moved with purpose. They invite pressure through methodical build-up play at the back before springing into action, exploiting the space that develops to progress quickly up the pitch with incisive combinations.
De Zerbi is unwavering in his commitment to brave, attacking football. Inspired by Marcelo Bielsa and Pep Guardiola, but with a clear vision of his own, he has always looked to take the initiative and play on the front foot, even when faced with much wealthier and more talented opponents. Brighton have dictated terms against Chelsea and Liverpool on his watch, overwhelming both to secure comfortable wins.
Denne historien er fra May 2023-utgaven av World Soccer.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra May 2023-utgaven av World Soccer.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Going for Gold in Paris- There are plenty of candidates vying for the Olympic gold medal in the women's football tournament this summer
There are plenty of candidates vying for the Olympic gold medal in the women's football tournament this summer
Face to face - Tom Sainfiet- The final goal is to reach the World Cup and write history - The Belgian coach speaks to World Soccer
The well-travelled Belgian coach speaks to World Soccer after taking charge of the Philippines-his 11th international coaching role
Inter cruise to title number 20
Simone Inzaghi's Internazionale shrug off all challengers before sealing the Serie A title in style against their biggest rivals
HAT-TRICK HERO
Ademola Lookman wrote his name into European football's history books with a hat-trick in the Europa League final
GOING UP
The story of Sweden striker Viktor Gyokeres' career has been one of upward trajectory - and there's plenty more to come from the Sporting superstar
Palau soldier on alone
The isolated Pacific nation faces a long and lonely battle to improve football on the island
Brazilian clubs eye Copa number six
As the Copa Libertadores group stage concludes, a sixth consecutive Brazilian winner is looking likely
AI Hilal sweep to another Saudi crown
The first edition of the Saudi Pro League's glamorous new era ends with a familiar title winner
Disasters brewing
There is still a long way to go in World Cup qualifying, but dysfunction reigns at Cameroon, Congo and Nigeria after four matchdays in the group stage
Second round of World Cup qualifying underway
Favourites perform largely as expected, yet Cayman Islands dominate the headlines