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De Zerbi appointed as Tottenham's new manager
Tottenham Hotspur have named Roberto De Zerbi as their new head coach, tasking the Italian with steering the club away from Premier League relegation with only seven matches remaining.
Survival the immediate priority
De Zerbi, who signed a five-year contract, inherits a squad sitting 17th in the table-just one point above the drop zone-without a league victory in 2026. The former Brighton and Marseille manager acknowledged the urgency of the situation, stating his sole focus would be climbing the table before the season concludes.
"Our short-term priority is to climb the Premier League table, which will be the complete focus until the final whistle of the last game of the season."
Roberto De Zerbi
No escape clause if Spurs are relegated
Unlike many managerial contracts, De Zerbi's deal does not include a relegation release clause, meaning he is committed to Tottenham regardless of the outcome. Sporting director Johan Lange described the appointment as a long-term vision, praising De Zerbi's creative approach and Premier League experience.
Former Tottenham goalkeeper Paul Robinson compared De Zerbi's outspoken style to past managers José Mourinho and Antonio Conte, suggesting his strong personality could be an asset in the current crisis.
Challenges ahead: squad assessment and fixture list
De Zerbi's first game in charge will be an away trip to Sunderland on 12 April, followed by a home clash against his former club Brighton. The remaining fixtures include matches against Leeds, Everton, Wolves, Aston Villa, and Chelsea-all teams positioned above Spurs in the table.
The international break provides a brief window for De Zerbi to evaluate his squad, though the lack of preparation time remains a concern. His ability to instill confidence in a team plagued by injuries and low morale will be critical.
Mixed track record raises questions
De Zerbi's managerial history offers both promise and caution. At Brighton, he guided the club to European qualification, while at Marseille, he led the team to second place in Ligue 1 before departing mid-season following a breakdown in relationships with the club's hierarchy.
His tactical flexibility-rooted in Pep Guardiola's positional play-has drawn praise, but his tendency to alienate players and clash with decision-makers has also been a recurring issue. Marseille's squad reportedly fractured after dressing-room disputes, and his constant system changes left players confused.
Despite a 57% win rate at Marseille-the highest of any coach this century-Spurs fans are advised to temper expectations, given the club's structural instability and the magnitude of the survival task.
Fan skepticism and the stakes of relegation
The Tottenham Supporters' Trust has expressed reservations about the appointment, while pundits warn that relegation would be catastrophic for a club of Spurs' stature. Championship football at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium would represent a historic low, and De Zerbi has made it clear he does not view himself as a second-tier coach.
His immediate challenge is transforming a squad that has appeared "timid and defeatist" this season into one capable of grinding out results. With no margin for error, De Zerbi's competitive nature and self-belief will be tested like never before.
