Capello questions De Zerbi’s ‘top coach’ status: ‘Only because of Guardiola’

Fabio Capello feels Roberto De Zerbi is considered a top coach only ‘because Pep Guardiola sponsors him’ and asks ‘what has he won in his career?’

Capello, a former Juventus, Milan and Real Madrid coach, questioned De Zerbi’s status as a top coach on Sunday during Sky Sport Italia’s post-match show.

De Zerbi is one of the coaches linked with the Milan job and although he doesn’t seem to be the primary option for the Rossoneri, many fans would love to see the ex-Sassuolo coach at San Siro next season.

Capello questions De Zerbi’s ‘top coach’ status: ‘Only because of Guardiola’

Nevertheless, Capello feels his compatriot, currently in charge of Premier League side Brighton, hasn’t yet proved to be a top coach.

“There is a lot of talk about him as one of the top coaches because Guardiola sponsors him, but this year he is tenth or eleventh in the standings,” said the ex-Italian tactician, as quoted by Calciomercato.com.

“What has he won in his career? Just one cup in Ukraine.”

Paulo Fonseca and Sergio Conceiçao are leading the race for the Milan job, according to reports in Italy, while De Zerbi has a release clause between €13m and €15m in his contract with Brighton, which expires in 2026.