Newcastle United’s Premier League rivals appoint successor to new Chelsea manager

Newcastle United’s Premier League rivals Brighton and Hove Albion have named former Sassuolo manager Roberto De Zerbi as their new head coach.

The 43-year-old Italian was officially confirmed as successor to Graham Potter on Sunday night after the former Seagulls boss agreed to take over at Chelsea earlier this month.

De Zerbi began his coaching career with the likes of Darfo Boario before spending time with Serie A duo Palermo and Benevento.

However, he made his name with Sassuolo, leading the club to consecutive eighth-place finishes in Serie A before agreeing to take the reins at Ukrainian club Shakthar Donetsk.

His time with Shakthar was cut short by the Russian invasion of the country but he will now return to the dugout with the Seagulls after penning a four-year deal at the Amex Stadium.

De Zerbi will face a tough introduction to life in the Premier League as his new side face Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City and Chelsea in their next six games.

After the appointment was confirmed, Seagulls technical director David Weir told the club website: “Roberto has shown his undoubted ability with his work in Italy and Ukraine, and what he achieved at Sassuolo certainly stands out.

“In his short spell with Shakhtar he enjoyed further success, leading the club to cup success and topping the Ukrainian league before the war brought an abrupt halt to his time there.

“We are delighted to welcome Roberto and we look forward to introducing him to our squad as well as providing all the support he needs to introduce his coaching philosophy and help the players continue their brilliant start to the season.”

Chairman Tony Bloom added: “I am absolutely thrilled Roberto has agreed to become our new head coach. Roberto’s teams play an exciting and courageous brand of football, and I am confident his style and tactical approach will suit our existing squad superbly.”

Newcastle are not scheduled to face Brighton in the Premier League until late-February after the two sides battled to a goalless draw in August.