Roberto De Zerbi to Liverpool links as manager reacted to Anfield speculation

Liverpool takes on Marseille in the Champions League this midweek, with Arne Slot under pressure to get a result and Roberto De Zerbi once linked with the role he took in 2024

Marseille head coach Roberto De Zerbi during a press conference.(Image: Jaber Abdulkhaleq/Anadolu via Getty Images)

In Europe this season, Liverpool has picked up some big results — beating the likes of Real Madrid and Inter Milan — but Arne Slot's men still have some work to do.

This week, they will take on Roberto De Zerbi's Marseille in France looking to move into the top eight spots in the table. Two victories to conclude the group phase would mean avoiding the play-off round.

De Zerbi can set up a team to cause problems, though, and Liverpool has seen that several times before when coming up against his Brighton side. Indeed, when Jurgen Klopp announced he was moving on, the Italian was one named linked with the vacancy.

"When I hear that big teams are interested in me, it is an honor," De Zerbi told Sky Sports at the time.

"I am proud, but my focus is on my work day by day. About the future, I will speak with the owner and with the club [Brighton] because I want to compete in the best way I can."

However, it wasn't that long after that interview that De Zerbi walked away from the south coast outfit, leaving the club because of a disagreement behind the scenes.

BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - MAY 19: Roberto De Zerbi, Manager of Brighton & Hove Albion, acknowledges the fans following the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Manchester United at American Express Community Stadium on May 19, 2024 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images)(Image: 2024 Getty Images)

Prior to his exit, The Times reported that the Italian was unhappy at the failure to strengthen his roster in January 2024. The club feared he was going to walk away, which he duly did.

At the end of the season, De Zerbi decided to step down. He was then replaced by Fabian Hurzeler.

"Roberto has given us two excellent seasons of service in which he has led the club to new heights, not least our first ever European campaign which will live long in the memory of Albion fans," Brighton owner Tony Bloom said.

"We have mutually agreed to end Roberto’s contract at a time that suits both parties allowing us the earliest opportunity to plan for next season, and Roberto plenty of time to consider his next move and his future."

De Zerbi plays some excellent football but he is high-risk when it comes to explosive outbursts. On the opening day of the season, the 44-year-old was furious at Marseille losing in the last minute against Rennes.

After a locker room altercation between Adrien Rabiot and Jonathan Rowe, he accused his players of having "small balls", according to RMC Sport, and let his feelings be known publicly and privately.

Marseille is third in the Ligue 1 standings at the moment, behind surprise leader Lens and big-spending PSG. It has won three and lost three so far in Europe, meaning it is on track to qualify for the play-off round.

Liverpool.com says: De Zerbi is a really good tactician but he might have talked himself out of some big jobs via some of his outbursts. This week's Champions League clash is going to be a tough one for the Reds, but a win would be huge.