By insisting on having discussions with Brighton & Hove Albion’s owners, Roberto De Zerbi has raised questions about his future there.
Under contract until 2026, the 44-year-old has alluded to conflict with owner Tony Bloom ever since Brighton’s quiet January transfer window, during which just adolescents Valentin Barco and Adrian Mazulu were added to the team.
Since then, De Zerbi has been considered for the dugout positions at both Liverpool and Bayern Munich. However, the Italian has now warned both teams that he is still undecided about staying at Brighton.
“I have a different way to decide my future,” he stated. “I want to talk to my club. I have a contract, but finding the same strategy, goal, and future vision is the real issue—not the contract itself.
“I haven’t made a decision on my future yet because I still have the contract, but I want to talk to Tony [Bloom], my club, to learn about their plan and his plan, the Tony plan. Then, without any issues, we make the choice together.
“I don’t think my relationship with my players or my supporters can alter in the future. We cannot forget what we did because it is history.
“What lies ahead I’m a 24-hour football fan, so I want to maintain my drive and desire. I also want to know what the project, goal, and future hold because if I’m not comfortable or motivated, I won’t be able to stay.”
When asked straight out if he will sign a new deal, De Zerbi said, “Not right now.
“We couldn’t locate the contract. The future includes the deal. It’s significant to me and to everyone else, but it’s only a little portion; the plan is the major component. We need to talk to the club.
