Brighton and Hove Albion coach Roberto De Zerbi has poured a lot of cold water on rumours linking him with Inter to replace Simone Inzaghi as coach.
Speaking to Italian broadcaster Sky Sport Italia, via FCInterNews, the 43-year-old made clear that he is currently happy at Brighton, and that as of yet he has not received any calls from teams in Serie A despite rumours suggesting that he is a target.
De Zerbi’s work in Brighton has made the former Sassuolo and Benevento coach a target for a number of clubs, with the Premier League and Serie A both reportedly buzzing with interest.
Given that Inzaghi’s future at Inter looks to be up in the air after the team’s erratic results over the season to date, it can hardly be ruled out that the 47-year-old could be sacked at the end of the season, and in the event that this were to be the case then De Zerbi would reportedly be one of the Nerazzurri’s main candidates to replace him.
However, it is far from certain that the former Neroverdi boss would be interested in leaving the Seagulls so soon after beginning his work there last fall, particularly given that he could have them playing European football next season.
For his part, De Zerbi feels that he would have numerous reasons to stay, and that he is in no rush to accept any offers from teams in his native Italy, which he has also stated have not yet arrived in any event.
Asked if he has gotten any calls from Italian teams, the coach simply replied “No.”
Regarding his future, the 43-year-old reflected that “As a coach you always have your suitcase ready, you can end up out the door at any moment and it happens to everyone sooner or later.”
However, regarding his plans at Brighton, De Zerbi said that “I certainly feel very happy here at Brighton, I’m enjoying myself here – I have a wonderful relationship with the team.”
“I’m not immediately thinking about leaving, the club is extending the contracts of players who I want to stay here,” he went on.
“Staying here would mean improving my English and my knowledge of the Premier League,” De Zerbi noted. “I’m in no hurry.”
