Tottenham Hotspur have reached an agreement in principle with Roberto De Zerbi to become their permanent head coach, according to the Press Association. The Italian manager is set to take over with the crucial task of keeping Spurs in the Premier League, as the club faces a precarious position near the bottom of the table.
Spurs Turn to De Zerbi Amid Crisis
Tottenham parted ways with interim boss Igor Tudor on Sunday after a disastrous 44-day reign that saw five defeats in seven matches. Tudor was appointed following the dismissal of Thomas Frank on February 11, but the club's alarming slide has forced them to seek a permanent solution with only seven games remaining in the season.
After days of negotiations, De Zerbi has agreed to take the helm, with only minor final details left to be resolved. His appointment comes at a critical juncture, with Tottenham just one point above the relegation zone after a 13-match winless run in the Premier League.
Fan Protests Over Greenwood Association
However, De Zerbi's arrival will not be universally welcomed by the Tottenham fanbase. Three supporter groups—Proud Lilywhites, Women of the Lane, and Spurs Reach—issued statements on Friday urging the club not to appoint him due to his past association with Mason Greenwood at Marseille.
Greenwood, the former Manchester United forward, was charged in October 2022 with attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. The Crown Prosecution Service dropped the charges in February 2023, citing the withdrawal of key witnesses and new evidence that meant there was no realistic prospect of conviction. Greenwood resumed his career and joined Marseille in 2024.
In November, De Zerbi described Greenwood as a "good guy" who had paid a "heavy price," adding that it saddened him to see what happened in his life. This stance has sparked significant concern among some Spurs supporters, potentially creating a divided atmosphere at the club.
Enormous Challenge Ahead
Even without the fan unrest, De Zerbi faces a monumental task. Tottenham's form has been abysmal, with only two wins in their last 22 league fixtures. A recent 3-0 home loss to relegation rivals Nottingham Forest has intensified the pressure on an injury-hit squad, plunging them into an unexpected battle for survival.
The club's decision to turn to De Zerbi, who previously managed Brighton, has ruled out an emotional return for old manager Mauricio Pochettino for now. Key figures at Tottenham will be hoping this gamble pays off, securing their Premier League status by the final day of the season on May 24.
As De Zerbi prepares to step into the hot seat, the focus will be on whether he can galvanise a struggling team and navigate the off-field controversies to steer Spurs to safety in one of the most challenging periods in the club's recent history.
