Although this isn’t strictly Brighton related, I can’t help but write an article on this news. After all, the charismatic Italian still holds a special place in most Brighton fans' hearts. With many clamouring for the fan favourite to return to the south coast after his departure from Marseille was confirmed Tuesday morning.
So will Bloom and Barber call the Italian to offer him the job? No, I don't think they will. And they’d be right not to do so in my opinion.
Roberto De Zerbi is a loose cannon, a bubbling cauldron fuelled by intensity and passion. Adored by the fans he represents, but his relationships in the boardroom leave a lot to be desired. When it came time for the former Albion boss to depart, the once strong bond between Bloom, Barber and De Zerbi was badly damaged. It mainly centred around transfer deals, with the Italian believing Brighton should back him in the market with players of his choosing, with Bloom preferring to stick with the existing data-driven approach.
The two clashed heads, and it became an untenable situation, with, of course, Bloom coming out on top. There are other reasons why I'd personally be opposed to seeing De Zerbi return to Brighton.
Firstly, there is a long-held belief that you should never go back. Whether that be in a relationship or in sports, the statement rings true. Instead, it's better to remember the good times and cherish those. History has shown us time and time again that rekindling past success is almost impossible to recreate.
Secondly, I personally can’t overlook his treatment of Mason Greenwood. When many clubs chose to overlook the undoubtedly talented forward, De Zerbi was only too happy to disregard his alleged off-field issues and make him a key piece of his Marseille side. Whether you feel a player's off-field antics are relevant, I just can’t overlook the reported heinous crimes Greenwood has been said to commit.
Thirdly, this kind of departure is becoming a pattern with the Italian. Wherever he goes, inevitably chaos follows. Whether it be leaks to the media regarding player treatment, hostile relationships with board members or even rumblings of resignations when things get tough, it’s hard to overlook such issues that have followed the volatile Italian.
Lastly, his tactics. Yes, when they work, they are fluid and exciting to watch. When they don’t come off, they are seen as naive and leave his teams exposed. Marseille lost 4-0 to PSG on the weekend (which prompted the departure), with many fans dismayed by the tactics on show. I remember similar games when Brighton would go to a club with much deeper resources, and Brighton would deploy a very aggressive tactical approach. The results were a mixed bag, but I can't help but feel De Zerbi has one way of playing, and that will not be compromised no matter the circumstance.
I understand why fans love Roberto De Zerbi. On the face of it, he is everything a fan would want. He is unpredictable, exciting and has an insane drive to win. You could argue he is the polar opposite of current Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler. Perhaps we should ask why Bloom, Barber and co. chose to go with the safer option.
Whilst Hurzeler may not be as demonstrative on the sidelines nor as engaging in interviews, the young German coach is, however, highly thought of by people who hold high positions at the club. Hurzeler, Bloom and Barber enjoy a collaborative relationship in which all involved openly give their opinions on transfers as well as current team dynamics. Barber even spoke about regular padel sessions with Hurzeler at a recent fans forum event. Quite the juxtaposition from the previous incumbent's mixed relationship with board-level staff.
So let De Zerbi be someone else’s problem. I'm sure our paths will cross again one day, with Brighton fans able to serenade the popular coach with past songs and cheers. But when De Zerbi does inevitably return to the AMEX stadium, I'm certain the hot-headed Italian will be standing in the opposing dugout.
A resolution that is beneficial to all parties from my point of view.
