Brighton Goalkeeper Jason Steele Touched by Unexpected Call from Former Manager Roberto De Zerbi
In a heartwarming display of compassion, Brighton and Hove Albion goalkeeper Jason Steele recently revealed a touching gesture from his former coach, Roberto De Zerbi. Following Steele’s shoulder surgery in late January, the current Olympique de Marseille manager took time out of his busy schedule to make a surprise hour-long Facetime call to check on his former player’s well-being.
Steele, who became Brighton’s first-choice goalkeeper under De Zerbi’s guidance during their successful Europa League campaign, shared this anecdote in a recent interview. The goalkeeper expressed his amazement at the thoughtfulness of his ex-manager, stating, “It was the day after my surgery, and De Zerbi’s team had a match the next day. Yet, he took an hour out of his evening to call me. This speaks volumes about his character and humanity.”
The unexpected nature of the call left a lasting impression not only on Steele but also on his wife. “My wife, who was taking care of me at the time, couldn’t believe what had just happened. She wondered if this was normal behavior for a manager, and I had to admit it was quite extraordinary,” Steele recounted.
This incident sheds light on the strong bonds De Zerbi forms with his players, a trait he values highly. In a previous interview, the Italian coach emphasized the importance of feeling connected to his workplace and the people around him. “I need to feel a connection with the place I work; otherwise, I struggle to express myself fully,” De Zerbi explained. He added that the connection he experienced at Brighton was particularly strong, making his departure from the club a difficult decision.
De Zerbi left Brighton last summer following disagreements with the club’s management regarding future plans. Despite interest from other Premier League clubs, he chose to take the helm at Olympique de Marseille, where he continues to prioritize building strong relationships with his players and staff.
This touching story serves as a reminder of the human side of football, where relationships can transcend the boundaries of clubs and countries, leaving lasting impacts on both players and coaches alike.