Roberto De Zerbi has turned down the opportunity to manage Chelsea, opting to stay with Brighton.
Chelsea’s search for a new manager has encountered an early setback as one of the rumoured candidates has reportedly declined their interest.
According to the Evening standard , Roberto De Zerbi has chosen to stay with Brighton, despite being considered by the Blues as a potential replacement for the recently departed Graham Potter.
De Zerbi’s exceptional work with the Seagulls since taking over from Potter earlier this season has evidently caught the attention of Chelsea’s board.
However, with the club undergoing a significant overhaul on and off the pitch since Roman Abramovich sold them last year, the Italian tactician appears to have opted for stability over the potential chaos at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea will now have to look elsewhere for a new manager, having failed to convince De Zerbi to take the reins. This news may come as a relief to Brighton, who could retain their highly-rated coach for the foreseeable future, with the prospect of an exciting season ahead.