Chelsea’s embarrassing reversal highlights the disarray they’ve fallen into, as the player doesn’t match the profile they were seeking.
Just over a year ago, Chelsea were on the hunt for a new manager. They eventually considered Roberto De Zerbi, who was enjoying a peak in his reputation after guiding Brighton to impressive performances.
Despite the initial acclaim, Chelsea opted not to pursue him, possibly due to concerns about his contract terms and the potential awkwardness of hiring from Brighton. David Ornstein remarked that “the Italian’s profile is not what they’re seeking.”
Interestingly, a year later, despite De Zerbi’s decline in status following a lackluster second season with Brighton, he appears to be the frontrunner for the Chelsea job. This situation highlights the club’s missteps and the irony of revisiting previously dismissed candidates.