Brighton’s chief executive, Paul Barber, acknowledges the formidable challenge posed by facing Roma in the Europa League Round of 16 and expresses the club’s determination to retain Roberto De Zerbi for the 2024-25 season.
The draw has paired Brighton with Roma in the Europa League Round of 16, with the first leg scheduled to take place at the Stadio Olimpico on March 7, followed by the return fixture in England on March 14.
In an interview with BBC Radio Sussex, Paul Barber commented, “Upon reflection of the notable teams within the draw, including Milan and Leverkusen among others, we recognize the demanding nature of our upcoming fixture against Roma. It presents another significant match for our club, affording our supporters the opportunity to experience another vibrant European city, following previous trips to Amsterdam, Athens, and Marseille. We anticipate a challenging encounter as is customary at this stage of the Europa League.”
Regarding the speculation surrounding the future of coach Roberto De Zerbi, who has attracted interest from prominent clubs such as Liverpool, Bayern Munich, and Barcelona, Barber emphasized Brighton’s desire to retain him. “We are keen for Roberto to continue his tenure with us, given his commendable contributions to the club thus far. While it is natural for successful individuals to attract attention from larger institutions, we are confident in the appeal of our project and our ability to provide an enticing environment for him to further his career.”
Barber underscored Brighton’s standing within the upper echelons of English football, stating, “We must dispel the notion that we serve merely as a stepping stone for players, coaches, or staff aspiring to join larger clubs. Our achievements, reflected in our position in the Premier League and progression in multiple competitions, affirm our stature within the sport. We are steadfast in our belief that Brighton offers an attractive proposition for talented individuals seeking professional growth and stability.”
De Zerbi is subject to a €13 million release clause in his Brighton contract, which is valid until June 2026. Since his appointment in September 2022, the 44-year-old coach has overseen 74 matches, registering 35 victories with Brighton in the Premier League.