Chelsea and Liverpool to battle for Roberto de Zerbi next season
Premier League rivals Chelsea and Liverpool are set to lock horns for Roberto de Zerbi’s signatures next season, according to Times. The current Brighton & Hove Albion manager has become a hot commodity in the league following his accomplishments with the Seagulls.
As Jurgen Klopp is set to depart Anfield this summer, the Reds are in search for a new manager. Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso and former captain Steven Gerrard have both been linked with the club. Now, seems like there’s another name on the list.
Also Read: Liverpool and Bayern Munich eyeing Xabi Alonso as manager for next season
Chelsea, meanwhile, have endured an underwhelming campaign under Mauricio Pochettino, who may not survive beyond this season. The Blues are down in 11th position on the Premier League table and have already lost the Carabao Cup finals. Another managerial change is likely, and the club has identified a potential successor to the embattled Argentinian.
De Zerbi established himself as an astute manager by guiding Brighton to a sixth-place finish last season, their best ever result in the Premier League while the southern outfit also secured European football. This term, they have continued in the same vein, with Brighton winning their Europa League group at a canter to reach the knockout stages, while sitting within the top 10 league spots right now too.
Roberto De Zerbi’s attacking football suits Liverpool
Perhaps the biggest characteristic of Roberto De Zerbi’s Brighton side, is their ability to score goals. Last season, the Seagulls mustered 72 goals in 38 matches – only Manchester City (94), Arsenal (88) and Liverpool (75) accrued more than them. This season, they’ve managed another 50 so far, with only six teams netting more in the division. De Zerbi has managed to get the best out of striker Joao Pedro, while his midfield actively weighs in with goals too. Brighton’s sparkling offensive approach is more familiar with Liverpool’s heavy-metal style of football implemented under Jurgen Klopp. If De Zerbi indeed takes over, the club won’t have to undergo a radical shift in their playing style.