“I would be delighted if Roberto stayed for a long time. I would like him to become like Diego Simeone at Atlético de Madrid. Pablo Longoria has many qualities. But we are certain that he has no clairvoyant talent since his statements lasted only 18 days. On January 26, the one who was president of OM had sworn loyalty to the Italian coach during an interview given to Telegraph. A few days later, on February 12, the residents of the Orange Vélodrome announced the end of their collaboration with RDZ at 2:35 a.m. A sneaky departure for the native of Brescia, who was not the only one to leave the ship since Longoria was also replaced a little later. For De Zerbi, leaving Marseille, a club and a city that has entered his heart, was heartbreaking.
A free and courted coach
But it is also part of the life of a football coach at the highest level. Once free and on the market, the 46-year-old technician, who is considered one of the best coaches of his generation, was quickly associated with clubs. From February 16, only 4 days after announcing his departure from the Marseille city, La Repubblica revealed that Fiorentina was in the running to try to welcome him. But it is especially England that makes eyes at him. After the departure of Thomas Frank, Tottenham checked his name before finally betting on Igor Tudor. Except that the Croatian is already threatened. The track leading to RDZ resurfaced at the end of last week as revealed by Telegraph.
The British media also specified that Manchester United have their eye on De Zerbi, who has a big preference for the Red Devils. Information that is causing a lot of noise in England, where we salute the good work of the Italian in Brighton. This is the case of Manchester Evening Newss who wrote that his rating is high after his time with the Seagulls, who he led to Europe for the first time in their history. MU, which should look for a new coach for next season according to MENgreatly appreciates his profile and his experience, as well as the attacking style of play of his teams. This is not the first time RDZ has been linked with Manchester United. But this time, the lights seem green since he is free and he is interested in the position.
Big doubts about RDZ
However, we observe a certain reluctance towards it on the other side of the Channel. “De Zerbi left Brighton at the end of the 2023/24 season after publicly expressing his dissatisfaction with the club’s recruitment strategy. After a year and a half at Marseille, De Zerbi left the club this year. This season in the Champions League, the Marseillais also lost to Atalanta and Sporting. During his time at Brighton, De Zerbi suffered heavy defeats against Manchester City, Arsenal, AS Roma, Luton Town, Aston Villa and Everton. Another area of concern is his tendency to sacrifice others when he is in difficulty. At Manchester United, given doubts about the management’s ability to perform at the highest level, this may reassure fans, but it creates tension off the pitch. In his final season at Brighton, the club sold important players like Moises Caicedo, Alexis Mac Allister and Robert Sanchez. Bart Verbruggen, João Pedro and Carlos Baleba arrived, while Mahmoud Dahoud joined the club for free and Ansu Fati was loaned out..
THE MEN continues: “De Zerbi spoke of his frustration at not receiving the financial support he felt he deserved after finishing sixth in the Premier League and qualifying for the Europa League. “That year, after finishing sixth, the squad should have been strengthened, as was the case the year I left,” he said, after the club spent almost £200m (€230m) during Fabian Hurzeler’s first transfer window. We must also take into account De Zerbi’s club career. His three-season stint at Sassuolo, Italy, is the longest he has spent at one club since his coaching debut in 2013. He stayed 85 days at Palermo, less than a year at Benevento and 30 days at Shakhtar Donetsk (…) Manchester United cannot ignore Roberto De Zerbi’s obvious warnings which cost Ruben Amorim dearly. Roberto De Zerbi has admirers at Manchester United after his impressive work at Brighton and Marseille, but his appointment would raise a number of questions..
Carrick has support against the Italian
In England, some are not fans of the RDZ track and are campaigning for the maintenance of Michael Carrick. This is the case of Sun. “Despite interest shown by Spurs, De Zerbi would favor the job at Old Trafford. He is “very interested” in the prospect of becoming Manchester United’s new manager. It would be a blow for Michael Carrick, who has lost just one game since becoming interim head coach of the Red Devils in January. Carrick suffered their first defeat against Newcastle on Wednesday, following goals from Anthony Gordon and Will Osula. But United players still want the club legend to get the job permanently. Last month, SunSport revealed that stars including Bruno Fernandes, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw were impressed by Carrick’s tactical approach and knowledge of the game. It is currently unclear whether the Red Devils will decide to retain the former England international or appoint a new manager.
Image generation in progress
THE Mirror is of the same opinion and recalls Carrick’s feats of arms. “Manchester United are looking for a manager this summer. Carrick is currently acting on an interim basis until the end of the season, although he is being considered for the permanent coaching position. Under his leadership, United have won six of their last eight Premier League games, conceded one draw and one defeat (…) Roberto De Zerbi, Manchester United’s target for the coaching job, is apparently very interested in the job at Old Trafford this summer, which could be a blow for Michael Carrick and Tottenham Hotspur (who also want to sign him, editor’s note).” The ball is therefore in the court of the Mancunian leaders, who have several targets in mind including RDZ, Julian Nagelsmann and Oliver Glasner. It’s not impossible that Carrick stays too. What is certain is that the De Zerbi track is far from being unanimously accepted at the moment.
