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Tottenham move to appoint De Zerbi as permanent head coach
Tottenham Hotspur are in advanced negotiations with Roberto de Zerbi to take over as their new permanent head coach, sources have confirmed. The move follows the mutual departure of Igor Tudor after just 44 days in charge.
Tudor's exit and the search for a successor
Tudor left the club by mutual consent on Sunday, a decision influenced by last weekend's 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest, which left Spurs only one point above the Premier League relegation zone. The club had initially allowed Tudor time to grieve following the death of his father.
With the season entering its final stretch, Tottenham's chief executive Vinai Venkatesham and sporting director Johan Lange are leading the search for a replacement. De Zerbi, who recently left Marseille, has emerged as the primary candidate.
De Zerbi's availability and Spurs' long-term plans
Prior to Tudor's official departure, Tottenham had reached out to De Zerbi to gauge his interest in the role. According to BBC Sport, the Italian was open to the idea but preferred to wait until the end of the season to assess the club's Premier League status. However, talks have since progressed, with Spurs aiming to secure his services for the remaining seven games of the campaign.
Sources indicate that Tottenham are prepared to offer De Zerbi a long-term contract, reflecting their confidence in his ability to stabilize the team's precarious league position.
Fan opposition and controversies
The potential appointment has sparked backlash among some Tottenham supporters, particularly due to De Zerbi's association with former Manchester United striker Mason Greenwood. Greenwood, 24, joined De Zerbi at Marseille in 2023 after charges of attempted rape and assault against him were dropped.
During his time in France, De Zerbi described Greenwood as a "good guy" who had "paid a heavy price" for his past. Proud Lilywhites, Spurs' official LGBTQ+ fans' group, criticized the potential appointment, stating: "When someone in that position publicly defends a player like Mason Greenwood, and frames it in a way that downplays the seriousness of what happened, it matters, not just in isolation but in what it signals."
Alternative candidates considered
While De Zerbi is the frontrunner, Tottenham have also explored other options. Former Nottingham Forest manager Sean Dyche, who was sacked in February, has been considered for a short-term role due to his track record of keeping clubs in the Premier League. However, Dyche is reportedly seeking an 18-month contract, which could complicate negotiations.
Mauricio Pochettino, a fan favorite from his previous tenure at the club, remains a popular choice among supporters. However, his commitments to the USA national team ahead of this summer's World Cup make an immediate return unlikely.
Interim solutions have also been discussed, including former Spurs players Ryan Mason, Harry Redknapp, Tim Sherwood, Glenn Hoddle, and Chris Hughton. Current player Ben Davies has also been considered as a short-term fix. Meanwhile, former Monaco head coach Adi Hutter has ruled himself out, stating he does not intend to return to management until at least the start of next season.
What's next for Spurs?
With the Premier League season nearing its climax, Tottenham's priority is securing a manager capable of steering the club away from relegation. The outcome of their talks with De Zerbi could shape the club's trajectory for the remainder of the campaign and beyond.
