Roberto De Zerbi had been linked with the vacant job at Stamford Bridge. However, it is understood he is committed to Brighton and is not Chelsea’s preferred choice to replace another former Brighton manager.
According to The Athletic, the Chelsea hierarchy hold Tony Bloom and Paul Barber at Brighton in the highest esteem, but De Zerbi does not fit the profile they want. The process of appointing a long-term replacement for Potter is underway. De Zerbi has impressed at Brighton since replacing Graham Potter last year and is focused on winning the FA Cup and qualifying for Europe.
🚨 Chelsea not considering Brighton & Hove Albion head coach Roberto de Zerbi for vacancy. #CFC have highest respect for #BHAFC but won’t be coming for another boss from there – 43yo Italian’s profile not what they’re seeking & isn’t on list @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/7E2vlob3ji
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) April 4, 2023
Nagelsmann is the favourite to replace Potter. For the time being, Bruno Saltor has been appointed interim manager. The club hopes to start interviews for the vacant managerial position this week. The Blues paid £21.5million to land Graham Potter in September last year for a tenure that lasted only seven months before he was sacked on Sunday. The club’s co-sporting directors, Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley, lead the search for a new manager.
