Brighton suffered a devastating defeat to Roma in the Europa League this season. Reports from Italy now claim the Seagulls could sign the manager who knocked them out of Europe’s second tier competition.
Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera reported this week that Roma manager Daniele De Rossi is on Brighton’s managerial shortlist should they have to replace Roberto De Zerbi in the summer.
De Rossi has lost just one Serie A match since taking over Roma on January 16 after Jose Mourinho was sacked midway through the season. I Giallorossi are fifth in Serie A, just three points back of the top four and Champions League football next season.
Looking beyond the results, De Rossi’s has transformed Roma from the turgid defensive side of Mourinho into an attacking side willing to try out unique things tactically. These tendencies reportedly make him an attractive fit in the eyes of Brighton’s higher ups.
Another name Brighton are reportedly monitoring is Southampton boss Russell Martin. The 38-year-old was born in Brighton and played for the club’s youth team before embarking on a professional career elsewhere. Like De Rossi, Martin has received huge plaudits for his team’s progressive tactics.
Martin’s Saints side dominate possession better than any team in the Championship. No team has completed more progressive passes and only Ipswich Town and Leicester City have scored more goals.
Of course, Brighton will not be looking to sign anyone this summer if their current manager Roberto De Zerbi decides to stay at the club. Unfortunately for Seagulls fans, though, this is looking less and less likely by the day.
Just two weeks ago, the Italian manager revealed that he will not stay unless Tony Bloom, Brighton’s owner, can present him with a clear vision for the future. De Zerbi also talked about his legacy at the club. Many interpreted this as De Zerbi saying goodbye to Brighton fans ahead of his departure this offseason.
De Zerbi has been linked to Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Liverpool, and multiple top jobs in Serie A. If he decides to take any of those jobs, Daniele De Rossi could be the man to replace De Zerbi this offseason as Brigthon’s next manager.
