footballexpress.in

Roberto De Zerbi: Why Chelsea passed on him

Chelsea made a big coaching choice, and many fans were shocked. The truth about why Roberto De Zerbi did not get the job is now clear. New details show doubts about tactics, staff demands and results that worried the club.

🚨 π—₯π—’π—•π—˜π—₯𝗧𝗒 π——π—˜ π—­π—˜π—₯π—•π—œ 𝗛𝗔𝗦 π—šπ—œπ—©π—˜π—‘ 𝗨𝗣 π—›π—œπ—¦ π—™π—œπ—‘π—”π—Ÿ π—¬π—˜π—”π—₯ 𝗒𝗙 𝗖𝗒𝗑𝗧π—₯𝗔𝗖𝗧. βŒπŸ’°

The Italian did not ask to be paid for his final year of contract, which made the negotiations for his departure from Marseille much easier.

In return, Roberto De… pic.twitter.com/EaH4bNis7Z

β€” Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) February 11, 2026

Why Chelsea passed on Roberto De Zerbi in January

Chelsea FC began the year with a bold move. They sacked Enzo Maresca after poor results and slow progress. Soon after, other clubs followed the same path. Similarly, Manchester United parted ways with Ruben Amorim and saw quick improvement. That made fans feel that coaching changes could fix teams fast.

Chelsea then chose Liam Rosenior as their new leader. His calm style and simple tactics brought balance. Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur also changed managers and looked at many names. One name on many lists was Robert De Zerbi. He was praised for his work at Brighton & Hove Albion, where his team played brave attacking football.

Many fans thought he would be perfect for Chelsea. But inside the club, leaders were not fully sure. They wanted a coach whose style matched their long plan, not just a famous name.

Roberto De Zerbi brings many conerns Chelsea wants to Avoid

Club leaders liked De Zerbi’s ideas, but they had worries. They wanted a strict passing system. They wanted players to hold shape and keep control. De Zerbi likes quick risks and bold passes. His teams attack fast and play with freedom. Chelsea feared that style could cause problems in tight matches.

Another issue was staff size De Zerbi often brings many assistants he trusts. Chelsea prefer a shared system. They already have analysts and fitness staff in place. They did not want a coach who would change everything at once.

His time at Olympique de Marseille also raised doubts. His spell ended after tough losses. One heavy defeat came against Paris Saint-Germain, reports says where his side lost 5-0. They also exited the UEFA Champions League earlier than hoped. Results like these made Chelsea question how his system handled pressure.

The squad had strong players, including striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Yet performances stayed uneven. For Chelsea’s board, that was a warning sign. They decided it was safer to pick a coach whose style matched their long-term plan. Instead of chasing hype, they chose stability and structure.

Rosenior’s Early Results Prove Chelsea’s Decision Was Right, Say Pundits and Fans

Fans still argue about the decision. Some supporters say De Zerbi would have made matches exciting and full of goals. Others think the club made the smart call. They point to Marseille’s struggles as proof that results matter more than style.

On this pundits are praising Chelsea’s decision with mixed views. A few believe Chelsea avoided a risky choice. Others say bold coaches sometimes need time to succeed. On social media, many fans now praise Rosenior’s calm system. They like the stronger defence and better shape.

After Chelsea hired Liam Rosenior, Chelsea lost only two games. Both of these defeats occurred against Arsenal in the two-legged Carabao Cup semi-finals. First Leg: Chelsea 2–3 Arsenal; Second Leg: Arsenal 1–0 Chelsea.It shows a good visible impact; a decision once taken by management is now changing the scenario.

Author’s Opinion

In conclusion, Chelsea’s decision once looked strange, but it now seems careful and planned. The Blues trusted their vision and stayed patient. If Chelsea manage to keep improving, this choice will look even smarter. All eyes are now on whether their steady path brings wins, trophies, and long-term success.

The choice could affect future hiring across the league. Clubs at the bottom may now check tactics and personality fit more carefully. One wrong coach can also change a whole season and cost millions.

As featured on Chelseanews.com

Recommended for you

Read full news in source page