Micah Richards reveals why he admires 44-year-old manager linked with Chelsea

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Micah Richards has admitted he’s a fan of Brighton manager, Roberto De Zerbi because he believes the Italian is a top manager, who has the ability to actually coach a team.

De Zerbi has spent less than two seasons in English football, but in that short period, the 44-year-old has impressed enough, for teams like Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool to develop an interest in him.

The Guardian UK recently reported that Chelsea are keeping an eye on the Brighton manager, who is one of the two major names on their shortlist of coaches to potentially replace Mauricio Pochettino at Stamford Bridge if the Argentine is sacked.

The outlet also claims that Liverpool will try to get De Zerbi to become their next manager if they fail to get Xabi Alonso to replace Jurgen Klopp when the 55-year-old leaves Anfield at the end of the current campaign.

When discussing the rumours linking Liverpool with De Zerbi on the It’s All Kicking Off podcast, Richards said: “I think he’s got the ability. I think he’s a top manager.

“… He’s got something special. He’s a bit like not Pep [Guardiola] in terms of quality, but the way they see the game. They’re always trying to forward think in terms of what can I do differently and tactically.

“Sometimes it can be seen as too much but when it works it really does work for him. I think he’s got all the attributes to be a top, top manager.”

While De Zerbi is no doubt a great manager, there will be doubts as to whether he has the credentials to take up a job at a club like Chelsea.