Roberto De Zerbi has officially concluded his tenure as manager of Olympique de Marseille, with the club announcing a mutual agreement for his departure. The split comes at a challenging time for the French side, notably following a decisive 5-0 defeat to rivals Paris Saint-Germain in Ligue 1, which highlighted their recent struggles.
Marseille confirmed the parting of ways with De Zerbi in a public statement issued on February 11. The club’s announcement detailed that after comprehensive discussions involving all key stakeholders, including the club president, football director, and coach, a joint and amicable decision was reached for De Zerbi to step down. The 46-year-old Italian coach’s exit follows not only the embarrassing league loss but also the team’s failure to secure a UEFA Champions League qualification spot this season, among other contributing factors.
De Zerbi had joined Marseille prior to the current season, after a successful period at Brighton & Hove Albion. In his first full season with Marseille, he guided the team to a commendable second-place finish in Ligue 1. However, the club currently sits fourth in the league table with 39 points from 21 matches, indicating a downturn in performance.
De Zerbi’s departure from Marseille occurs at a critical juncture, immediately reigniting interest from several prominent clubs that had previously expressed admiration for his managerial style. This significant move places considerable pressure on Fabian Hurzeler, the current manager of Brighton & Hove Albion, where De Zerbi previously achieved success. Hurzeler has recently faced scrutiny and vocal criticism from fans, particularly after Brighton’s 1-0 defeat to Crystal Palace in a recent league fixture. There is already speculation that Brighton could consider a return for their former manager.
Beyond Brighton, Tottenham Hotspur are also reported to be keen on De Zerbi. The London club has endured a challenging period, currently positioned 16th in the Premier League with just a five-point buffer above the relegation zone. Their recent 2-1 loss to Newcastle United on home turf has further intensified calls for potential changes, making De Zerbi an attractive prospect for their long-term plans.
