Sassuolo coach Roberto De Zerbi confirmed he is considering the Shakhtar Donetsk job, but insisted ‘nothing has been finalised.’
The Neroverdi ended the season in eighth place, missing out on seventh and a Conference League spot because Roma drew 2-2 at Spezia after their 2-0 win over Lazio.
“I feel we deserved to play in Europe considering all we’ve done this season,” De Zerbi told Sky Sport Italia.
“There is disappointment this evening, but mainly because we are parting ways and that is the saddest day of all.”
While the coach has said he is leaving Sassuolo, he hasn’t yet confirmed his next step. He was asked if he’s heading to Shakhtar Donetsk.
“It’s possible, we need to meet and discuss it, but nothing has been finalised. People might think it strange, but they probably weren’t listening or thought I was just philosophising.
“I always said that I wanted and still want a role where I can be in the right condition to give my best. I do believe I have something to offer and I am trying to find a situation where I can express that to the best of my ability.
“If I am leaving Sassuolo, it is purely because I feel we’ve reached a stage where I cannot do more here, otherwise I wouldn’t have left.”
De Zerbi also answered similar questions in the press conference afterwards.
“You hear a lot of rubbish, but I certainly am not looking for a job that is prestigious or in this or that league or earning however much, because what I want are the ideal conditions to do my job.”