De Zerbi’s Unfortunate Streak with Laporta: A Hurdle in Barça’s Coaching Race

Roberto De Zerbi’s desire to become the next coach of FC Barcelona faces an unforeseen challenge – a streak of bad luck whenever Barcelona President Joan Laporta watches Brighton play this season. This revelation came to light on the ‘Tot Costa’ program on Catalunya Ràdio.

It remains uncertain whether Laporta witnessed Brighton’s recent match, where they were eliminated from the FA Cup quarterfinals by Wolverhampton with an early goal from Lemina. Notably, Ansu Fati, still a Barcelona player, made a starting appearance – his first since returning from injury. Ansu played for 69 minutes, showing a gradual improvement in form.

As Ansu aims to regain his pre-injury peak, he faces a crucial juncture in the season, benefiting from Brighton’s forward injuries, which have opened up opportunities for him in the starting lineup under De Zerbi.

Despite the FA Cup exit, Brighton still has multiple competitions ahead. Mitoma’s absence due to injury influences their aspirations, but the team remains confident in maintaining competitiveness. For De Zerbi, this period serves as a key future-oriented test, as he emerges as a strong candidate to succeed Xavi.

However, De Zerbi faces a hurdle: his existing contract with Brighton, featuring a €10 million release clause, which Barcelona must address if they choose to bring him to Camp Nou.