Roberto De Zerbi has sent his best wishes to Graham Potter after he was sacked by Chelsea on Sunday, with the Italian being linked to replacing the Englishman, just as he did at Brighton.
Potter was dismissed from his post on Sunday after a 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge a day prior which has left the Blues 11th in the Premier League table.
His reign in west London lasted a shade under seven months and while he has been struggling with Chelsea, his replacement at Brighton has been impressing.
The Seagulls are sixth in the table with an excellent chance of a European finish and even an outside possibility of a Champions League place.
As a result, De Zerbi has been touted as a contender for the now-vacant Chelsea job, and although not one of the leading candidates, it is easy to see why he is in the frame.
He would not be drawn on that possibility, though, sending his commiserations to Potter and thanking him for his work at Brighton which he is now building on.
‘I am very sorry. It is bad news for the coaches,’ said De Zerbi. ‘I think you give too much importance to the coaches because the players are always the most important and I don’t like when coaches are sacked because the responsibility is not only with them. The players, the club, it’s not very good news.
‘I want to say thanks to Graham Potter. I have a team with a very good attitude and mentality.
‘It is difficult when you don’t know the situation or another dressing room. I don’t like speaking about other teams and coaches. I am sorry because when there are these situations they are sad.’
Brighton have been picking up good results under De Zerbi while also playing thrilling football, which is attracting praise.
Even without winning at the weekend they were winning over the neutrals as they drew 3-3 with Brentford at the Amex.
Next for them is a trip to Bournemouth on Tuesday night.
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