Brighton announced ahead of their final match of the 2023/24 Premier League season against Manchester United that De Zerbi will be leaving the club this summer. While no one really knows why the Italian left the club, we do know that Brighton need a new manager.
Here are the top three options to replace Roberto De Zerbi at Brighton next season.
Francesco Farioli, Nice
Nice manager Francesco Farioli looked set to take over at Ajax. Now, he could be going to Brighton. Reports from the South Coast claim Roberto De Zerbi hand-picked Farioli to take over for him at Brighton.
Farioli worked under De Zerbi at Benevento and Sassuolo between 2017 and 2020. His playing style at Nice is remarkably similar to De Zerbi’s, committed to building from the back and quick transitions.
If Brighton are looking for the most seamless transition from De Zerbi’s system to a new manager’s, they should sign Francesco Farioli.
Kieran McKenna, Ipswich Town
As soon as the news of De Zerbi leaving Brighton broke, one name was on every reporters’ lips; Kieran McKenna. The Ipswich Town manager has led the Tractor Boys to back-to-back promotions from League One to the Premier League. He is widely-regarded as one of the top up-and-coming managers in Europe.
McKenna’s tactical profile is more similar to Graham Potter’s than De Zerbi’s. The 38-year-old former Tottenham player has utilized three-at-the-back and traditional back fours throughout Ipswich Town’s rise. However, at the heart of McKenna’s system is a strong double pivot and aggressive wing play. These principles are well-suited to Brighton’s current system.
McKenna might not be willing to leave Ipswich Town following their promotion, but if he is willing, Brighton would be smart to sign him.
Russell Martin, Southampton
Former Brighton academy graduate Russell Martin was mentioned as being the next Brighton manager a few weeks ago when it was first rumored De Zerbi would leave the club. Those reports have died down, but we still think he’s worth considering.
Martin’s Swansea City and Southampton sides have played some of the most attractive football in the Championship over the past three seasons. The 4-3-3 he’s favored this season would fit nicely with Brighton’s squad. However, he’s been criticized for an inability to penetrate the opposition box, something De Zerbi’s Brighton has been very good at.
Russell Martin might not be the most natural fit, but he would be a safe option to help steady the ship at Brighton after De Zerbi’s departure.
