Roberto De Zerbi decision made amid Brighton and Fabian Hurzeler troubles
Brighton’s popular former manager has left Marseille
Former Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi has left his position at Marseille.
The Italian moved to the south of France after two decent seasons with Brighton, where he guided the Seagulls to sixth in the Premier League and qualification for Europa League football for the first ever time in the club’s history.
Brighton's form dipped badly towards the end of De Zerbi’s tenure and he left the Seagulls by mutual consent.
De Zerbi led Marseille to second in Ligue1 last term and they are currently fourth in the French top flight. Recently they were thrashed 5-0 by Paris St-Germain and exited the Champions League after a loss to Club Brugge.
A club statement from Marseille said: "This was a difficult collective decision, taken after careful consideration in the best interests of the club, in order to respond to the sporting challenges of the end of the season."
De Zerbi remains popular with Brighton fans
De Zerbi, 46, remains a popular figure with many Brighton fans but a return to the Seagulls looks highly unlikely, despite the recent problems for Brighton.
Albion have won just once in their last 12 Premier League matches and have slipped to 14th in the Premier League.
Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler was booed by home fans after last week's 1-0 home defeat to old rivals Crystal Palace.
Hurzeler though is keen to mend relations with fans and says he has the backing from chairman Tony Bloom and chief executive Paul Barber. Brighton in action tonight at Aston Villa and on Saturday, they face Liverpool at Anfield in the FA Cup fourth round.
Hurzeler said: "There are a lot of emotions – the supporters come to see us winning and performing, and we didn’t against Palace. “Especially me personally deserves the boos. I will take responsibility – but we want to show a reaction tomorrow [at Aston Villa].”
He added: “Don't overreact. Paul [Barber] and Tony [Bloom], they are role models for that. They are honest but they don't get a panic mode.
“This calmness is very important for me. I have these supporters and this trust. But we know this business is a business of getting results."