Man City boss Pep Guardiola has already given Chelsea green light to appoint Roberto De Zerbi
Pep Guardiola has already given Chelsea-linked Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi his seal of approval, naming the in-demand Italian as one of the people he respects most across worldwide footballing spheres.
The 44-year-old ex-Sassuolo and Shakhtar Donetsk coach has been linked with replacing Mauricio Pochettino at Stamford Bridge if the Blues opt to make a change. Pochettino is under increasing pressure following yet another underwhelming season — with the Blues sitting behind De Zerbi's current side in the Premier League standings.
Chelsea did not compete in Europe this campaign and they were beaten Carabao Cup finalists. However, there is lingering silverware hope in the FA Cup with Pochettino's team through to the quarter-finals, where they go head-to-head with EFL Championship table-toppers Leicester City this month.
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De Zerbi, meanwhile, has earned rave reviews for his work at Brighton, despite their recent slump in form. He has been mooted as a potential manager in the making at Liverpool and Manchester United — not only Chelsea — and a glowing verdict from Guardiola will do his rising stock no harm.
Speaking about the Italian, Guardiola told TNT Sports: «Definitely [City's win vs Brighton in October was hugely important], after two defeats and especially against the opponent that we faced — with one of the coaches and managers that I admire the most in worldwide football.»
Brighton are still fighting for glory in the Europa League this term with Italian giants Roma next up for De Zerbi's men at the last-16 stage. Also well-placed in the Premier League, the
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