Roberto De Zerbi was coy when asked about his future at Brighton, noting that it’s ‘not a problem’ to work at a big club.
The 44-year-old Italian coach has overseen 72 matches since taking over the Seagulls in September 2022 and has continued to capture the hearts and minds of the club’s fanbase with his risk-taking attacking football.
Unfortunately for Brighton fans, De Zerbi’s success and style in the Premier League has not gone unnoticed around Europe, with top clubs like Barcelona, Real Madrid, Liverpool and Milan all interested in snapping up the tactician.
Speaking to Sky Sports, De Zerbi was first asked about the interest in him and his future at Brighton.
“When I hear that the big teams are interested in me, it’s an honour, it makes me proud, but my focus is on my work, day by day.
“About my future, I speak with the owners and the club because I want to compete in the best way that I can, I want to understand the plan, and then it’s not a problem to work at a big team or at another big team.”
The Italian tactician then highlighted his ambitions for his coaching career.
“I’d like, in my career, to compete to win the Premier League, Serie A, the Bundesliga, Ligue 1, the Champions League, but there isn’t a time where you have to go or have to compete, or you have to wait more time.”
He was asked if he’d like to return to Serie A in the future.
“I love my country, I love Italy, I love Italian football. I don’t know, for sure one of my targets is to go back to working in my country but I don’t know when the time will be.
“I feel very happy in the Premier League, and I have to say thanks to Brighton, the league, all the coaches and people. Living in the UK, the problem is not where you work but how you work, not the place.”
Finally, De Zerbi spoke about the idea of his Brighton meeting Milan in the Europa League knockout stages.
“Milan for me aren’t a normal club, because as a player I was born at Milan. In my life, I’ll always be grateful to Milan. There are two or three Italian teams in the Europa League, we’ll see the draw.”
“One of my targets is to go back to work in my country, but I don’t know when” 🤔
Roberto De Zerbi is loving managing Brighton in the Premier League, but has revealed his target in the future is to return to management in Italy 🇮🇹🔄 pic.twitter.com/bfvVpuFg6H
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) February 17, 2024