President reveals inside information on Brighton exit that helped Marseille land De Zerbi

Marseille president Pablo Longoria has revealed he had exclusive inside information about Roberto De Zerbi’s decision to leave Brighton — a tip that allowed him to move quickly and secure one of Europe’s most sought-after coaches before anyone else could act.

De Zerbi left the Premier League side last summer in surprise circumstances, just two years after guiding the Seagulls to their first-ever European qualification. While the Italian’s second season was blighted by injuries and fatigue, his reputation for attacking, high-tempo football remained strong, making him an instant target for elite clubs across the continent.

Speaking to the Business of Sport YouTube channel, Longoria detailed the chain of events that led to De Zerbi’s appointment. “From February, we knew we had to look for a new coach,” he said. “Several coaches turned us down before the Europa League semi-final, but then a friend called me and said, ‘Next week, Roberto De Zerbi might leave Brighton — but don’t tell anyone.’ Ten seconds later, I was calling Roberto’s agent.”

Longoria explained that his relationship with De Zerbi went back to their first discussions before the coach joined Brighton in 2022. “He always liked the idea of Marseille,” Longoria added. “When he said at the press conference before our game against Brighton that it was a stadium he loved, I knew there was a connection. So when the moment came, we moved immediately.”

Longoria’s foresight turned out to be critical. At the time, several top European clubs — including Manchester United, Liverpool, Barcelona and Bayern Munich — were in the market for a new manager. By acting before De Zerbi’s departure was public knowledge, Marseille effectively jumped the queue.

That element of surprise allowed the French side to present their project to De Zerbi before he was flooded with other offers. “It wasn’t about rational strategy,” Longoria said. “It was personal. We wanted someone who could inspire, not just manage. Roberto fit that perfectly.”

Since arriving at the Stade Vélodrome, De Zerbi has reinvigorated Marseille with the same brand of brave, possession-heavy football that won admirers in England. His emphasis on building from the back, positional rotations, and aggressive pressing has reshaped the team’s identity.

Under his guidance, Marseille’s average possession has jumped from 52% to 63%, while their progressive passing rate ranks among the top three in Ligue 1. Players such as Jonathan Clauss, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Jordan Veretout have thrived under the Italian’s detailed tactical coaching, with several young academy prospects also earning minutes in his fluid system.

De Zerbi’s move to Marseille has also elevated his continental profile. The Italian tactician has now proven his adaptability across Serie A, the Premier League and Ligue 1 — something that hasn’t gone unnoticed by Europe’s elite. Insiders suggest his success in France could pave the way for a return to a Champions League powerhouse within the next two years.

Football observers in Italy and England have credited De Zerbi for modernising Marseille’s tactical approach while maintaining the intensity demanded by the club’s passionate fanbase. His success in balancing those pressures is viewed as evidence of his maturity and evolution as a top-tier manager.

In my view, Pablo Longoria’s swift and strategic move for De Zerbi was a masterclass in football intelligence. Acting on confidential information before the market reacted shows how crucial timing and relationships are in elite management recruitment.

FootballPlace analyst John William notes: “Longoria turned insider knowledge into opportunity. De Zerbi’s arrival didn’t just stabilise Marseille — it transformed them into a side playing some of Europe’s most fearless football.”

Marseille are now pushing for a top-three Ligue 1 finish and deeper European progression under De Zerbi. With his attacking blueprint taking shape, Longoria’s bold gamble is already paying off.

As for De Zerbi, his project at Marseille could soon elevate him back into contention for one of Europe’s biggest dugouts — a testament to both his coaching evolution and Longoria’s decisive leadership.

👉 Did Pablo Longoria pull off the smartest managerial move of last summer by acting early on Roberto De Zerbi’s Brighton exit?