Tottenham have confirmed the appointment of Roberto De Zerbi as their new head coach on a five-year contract. The Italian has been tasked with keeping the club in the Premier League, with Spurs currently one point and one place above the relegation zone with seven matches remaining. There is no break clause in De Zerbi's deal in the event of relegation.
De Zerbi said: 'I am delighted to be joining this fantastic football club, which is one of the biggest and most prestigious in the world. In all my discussions with the club’s leadership, their ambition for the future has been clear – to build a team capable of reaching great achievements and to do that playing a style of football that excites and inspires our supporters. I am here because I believe in that ambition.'
Spurs parted ways with interim manager Igor Tudor after a home loss to Nottingham Forest, with Tudor taking one point from five league matches. The club had explored contingencies after a defeat to Crystal Palace on 5 March, and De Zerbi initially insisted he would not return to management until the summer after leaving Marseille on 11 February. However, he was convinced by Tottenham's financial package and the extent of his control over squad building.
Spurs had previously considered De Zerbi but were concerned about his backing of Mason Greenwood, whom he signed at Marseille. Greenwood faced charges of attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault, which were discontinued by the Crown Prosecution Service. Tottenham supporter groups opposed De Zerbi's appointment, but the club has now reversed its stance.
De Zerbi is widely admired for his possession-based approach and innovation. Pep Guardiola once described him as 'one of the most influential managers in the last 20 years'. At Brighton, De Zerbi led the club to sixth place in the Premier League and Europa League qualification in his first season.
