Roberto De Zerbi is reportedly on the cusp of taking the reins at Tottenham, facing the significant challenge of steering the club away from the Premier League relegation zone. Negotiations between the Italian manager and the London club are understood to be in advanced stages, signalling a potential swift U-turn from his initial preference to wait until the summer.
The North London outfit has been scrambling for a new manager following the abrupt departure of Igor Tudor on Sunday. De Zerbi, who previously managed Brighton, had initially indicated a desire to take a break and carefully consider his future options. However, reports emerging from Italy on Monday morning suggest he is now receptive to Tottenham’s overtures. It’s understood that a five-year contract offer is on the table, which would see the 46-year-old become the club’s fourth permanent head coach in less than a year.
De Zerbi’s name has been a recurring one in discussions surrounding the Tottenham hot seat for several years. He was linked with the vacancy in 2023 and again more recently, following Thomas Frank’s decision to remain at Brentford in February. An interim period until the end of the season had been widely anticipated after De Zerbi’s own departure from Marseille in the same week Frank’s situation became clear.
This led Tottenham to appoint Tudor as interim head coach. Unfortunately, his tenure proved to be a brief and turbulent affair, lasting just 44 days. During this period, the team suffered five defeats in seven matches, punctuated by a series of questionable tactical decisions. This dismal run has significantly heightened the very real threat of the club’s first relegation since 1977.
The precarious league position has forced Tottenham’s hand, prompting a final, decisive move. With fan favourite Mauricio Pochettino currently committed to managing the United States at this summer’s World Cup and thus unavailable, De Zerbi has emerged as the most attractive and viable candidate currently available in the managerial market.
Pochettino himself addressed speculation about his future on Monday, stating his sole focus remains on the World Cup. “We have our full focus here on the World Cup,” he told a press conference. “I think everyone knows that I am committed with the national team. I think there’s no a point to talk about the future. At the moment no (team) has approached.”
Following Tudor’s exit on Sunday, first-team coach Bruno Saltor was tasked with leading training sessions for the players not currently on international duty. However, Tottenham is understood to be aiming for a new head coach to be in place by mid-week. This would provide approximately 10 days to prepare the squad for the crucial away fixture against Sunderland on April 12th, with De Zerbi now the anticipated choice.
Fan Concerns and Past Comments
The potential appointment of De Zerbi is not without its detractors among the Tottenham faithful. On Friday, three prominent supporter groups – Proud Lilywhites, Women of the Lane, and Spurs Reach – publicly voiced their opposition to his potential hiring. Their concerns stem from past comments De Zerbi made regarding Mason Greenwood, the forward currently on loan at Marseille.
Greenwood faced serious charges in October 2022, including attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm, following allegations related to a young woman. These charges were dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service in February 2023. The CPS cited a combination of factors, including the withdrawal of key witnesses and the emergence of new evidence, which meant there was no longer a realistic prospect of conviction. Greenwood has since resumed his football career, joining Marseille in 2024.
In November, while managing Marseille, De Zerbi publicly described Greenwood as a “good guy” and expressed sadness over his situation. He stated, “It saddens me what happened in his life, because I know a totally different person than the one who was described.” These remarks have understandably caused disquiet among sections of the Tottenham fanbase.
The Managerial Merry-Go-Round at Spurs
Tottenham’s managerial situation has been notably turbulent in recent times. The club has cycled through several bosses in a relatively short period, highlighting an ongoing search for stability and long-term success. This instability has, at times, been reflected in the team’s on-field performances, leading to the current precarious league standing. De Zerbi’s arrival, if confirmed, would mark another significant chapter in this ongoing saga, with supporters hopeful that he can provide the leadership and tactical acumen needed to navigate the club through these challenging times and secure their Premier League status.
