Roberto De Zerbi has been appointed as Tottenham Hotspur's new head coach, signing a five-year contract with the club. Tottenham are facing relegation, sitting just one point above the relegation zone. De Zerbi’s first job is to evade relegation from the Premier League, with his first game against Sunderland on Sunday week. Spurs are in 17th place, a point ahead of West Ham United and two points behind Nottingham Forest, who beat them 3-0 prior to the international break.
Some Tottenham supporters are concerned about De Zerbi's past comments defending Mason Greenwood, who faced charges of attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault. The Tottenham Hotspur Supporters' Trust issued a statement expressing serious concerns about De Zerbi's appointment due to his Greenwood comments. De Zerbi responded to the backlash, stating he never intended to downplay violence against women and apologizing if he offended anyone. Mason Greenwood moved to Marseille in 2024, two years after being arrested on suspicion of rape, assault, and coercive and controlling behaviour, with charges dropped the following year.
I never intended to downplay violence against women and apologize if I offended anyone.
De Zerbi was previously manager at Brighton and Marseille. He is one of football's maverick managers who prefers to win by playing with a swagger rather than focusing on set pieces and fine margins. Most players who have worked under De Zerbi say he changed the way they perceived football. He led Brighton to their highest-ever Premier League finish of sixth in 2022-23 and took them to the Europa League last 16 the following season.
Tottenham have not been relegated in the Premier League era. De Zerbi's contract does not include a break clause if Tottenham are relegated. The club's precarious position adds urgency to his immediate task of securing Premier League survival, with every match critical in the tight relegation battle.
He is not 'a safe pair of hands' for the current relegation battle.
Former Tottenham player Tim Sherwood said De Zerbi is not 'a safe pair of hands' for the current relegation battle. Former Tottenham player Danny Murphy expressed concerns about De Zerbi's ability to handle a bigger club like Tottenham, comparing it to Graham Potter's move from Brighton to Chelsea. Rio Ferdinand said he would turn down the Tottenham job if he were De Zerbi, citing the club's lack of ambition and poor hierarchy.
De Zerbi held his first training session with Tottenham players, who praised it as 'outstanding'. Former Tottenham player Victor Wanyama backs De Zerbi to save Tottenham from relegation and turn them into a competitive force. This early positive feedback from the squad could be crucial as De Zerbi looks to implement his methods quickly under pressure.
I have concerns about his ability to handle a bigger club like Tottenham, comparing it to Graham Potter's move from Brighton to Chelsea.
De Zerbi aims to bring back 'Ange-ball' and replicate the style of former manager Ange Postecoglou. De Zerbi will work under the title of head coach and promised fans he would strive to deliver exciting football. His short-term priority is to climb the Premier League table, with a tactical vision focused on attacking play and player development.
Spurs persuaded De Zerbi to join immediately by offering a five-year deal and a huge salary only topped by Pep Guardiola in the Premier League. The financial incentives were significant in convincing him to take the role now rather than wait until the summer.
I would turn down the Tottenham job if I were De Zerbi, citing the club's lack of ambition and poor hierarchy.
Johan Lange, Tottenham's sporting director, said De Zerbi was their number one target for the summer and praised him as a creative and forward-thinking coach. Tottenham made checks on De Zerbi at the end of the 2022-23 season when they finished eighth, indicating long-term interest in his appointment.
De Zerbi had been available since his exit from Marseille in February and was initially reluctant to take the Spurs job immediately, preferring to join in the summer. His availability made him an attractive option for Tottenham amid their managerial search.
I aim to bring back 'Ange-ball' and replicate the style of former manager Ange Postecoglou.
Mohammed Kudus is set to return from injury later in April, which could boost Tottenham's survival chances. His comeback might provide a much-needed lift to the squad's attacking options during the relegation fight.
Igor Tudor was Tottenham's previous manager, lasting only 44 days, highlighting the club's recent instability in the dugout. This context underscores the challenges De Zerbi faces in bringing stability.
My philosophy is to enjoy football and be a protagonist by keeping possession and building up play through creative players.
De Zerbi had a falling-out with Leandro Trossard at Brighton, leading to Trossard's transfer to Arsenal. No 'big club' had previously hired De Zerbi due to his volatility and the risk of his teams collapsing. De Zerbi's teams are as likely to blow teams away as they are to get walked all over, reflecting his unpredictable managerial style.
De Zerbi remains high on Manchester United's shortlist for the upcoming summer if they do not hire Michael Carrick long-term, suggesting his future prospects could extend beyond Tottenham depending on performance. This adds another layer to the appointment's implications for both club and coach.
I am delighted to join Tottenham, believe in the club's ambition, and signed a long-term contract to deliver it.
My short-term priority is to climb the Premier League table.
De Zerbi was our number one target for the summer and praised him as a creative and forward-thinking coach.