Tottenham Hotspur have appointed Roberto De Zerbi as their new manager on a long-term contract.
The decision to appoint De Zerbi as their new permanent manager came after interim manager, Igor Tudor was sacked on Sunday (29 March), with the club sat 17th in the Premier League and one point above the relegation zone after Spurs failed to win any of their five league games under the Croatian.
De Zerbi’s move to North London also marks his return to the Premier League after a 22-month absence, having left Brighton in May 2024 after two seasons in charge during which he led them to a maiden European campaign in the 2023-24 Europa League.
He went on to manage Marseille from June 2024 until February 2026, in which he led them to a second-placed Ligue 1 finish in the 2024-25 season, but was sacked in February after a run of three wins in eight league matches and a League-Phase exit in the Champions League.
The 46-year-old Italian is “delighted” to join a “fantastic football club,” which he considers to be “… one of the biggest and most prestigious in the world.”
De Zerbi proceeded to explain that his aim is excite fans with his style of fans whilst achieving success.
“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 and have signed a long-term contract to give everything to deliver it.
“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. I’m looking forward to getting out on the training pitch and working with these players to achieve that.”
Sporting Director, Johan Lange added: “Roberto was our number one target for the summer and we are very pleased to be able to bring him in now.
“He is one of the most creative and forward-thinking coaches in world football, and brings with him a wealth of experience at the highest level, including in the Premier League.”
De Zerbi’s first match in charge will take place on Sunday 12 April at 2pm as Tottenham visit Sunderland in a televised Premier League fixture on Sky Sports in the UK.
Supporters Trust Raise Concerns
Tottenham Hotspur Supporters Trust have welcomed De Zerbi’s appointment amidst their relegation fight but noted that ‘serious and far-reaching concerns,’ have been raised around the Italian’s appointment, in wake of his comments defending ex Manchester United forward – Mason Greenwood during his tenure at Marseille.
“While we recognise the limited pool of managers with recent Premier League experience, and the need to act with urgency as Spurs face the prospect of relegation, this appointment raises serious and far-reaching concerns, and many fans have been in touch with us to urge us to communicate the strength of feeling. We raised these concerns directly with the Club prior to its announcement.
“The Club has previously committed to challenging instances of violence against women and girls and acting with integrity and upholding its values when faced with any incidents.
“De Zerbi’s comments about Mason Greenwood were unnecessary, ill-judged, and deeply offensive to a significant number of supporters and, without doubt, will have left victims of male violence alarmed.
“We believe these statements, left unchecked, will create a divide among supporters at a time when we all need to be pulling together to back the team. It is concerning that the Club would put us in this position right when the team needs fans the most.
“Fans are rallying behind the “All Together, Always” initiative, and this appointment places heavy strain on that unity. If those remarks reflect his genuine views, they cast a troubling shadow over the values of the Club we love.”
Trust officials have consequently called on the club to “… reassert its commitment to the values that fans hold dear—chief among them equality, respect, and integrity.
“Any perceived sympathy toward alleged perpetrators of physical or sexual violence against women fundamentally undermines trust in the custodianship of this Club.”
There have also been calls for the club and De Zerbi to communicate their affirmation of the “values” and demonstrate “meaningful” action,” through support of “women’s charities and organisations working to combat violence against women.”
The Trust also echoed fans’ sentiments of having wanted a short-term manager who knew the club’s history and have leadership needed to steer Tottenham away from the drop.
“Our preference would have been for a short-term appointment of an individual or individuals who understand the Club and can lead the players in the seven battles to come.
“There would then have been an opportunity in the summer to attract a wide range of potential applicants with a track record of success in inspiring fans and players: candidates who could lead and develop sustained success for the team, for seasons to come.
“The Club has chosen otherwise. We will continue to support efforts to get behind the team and play our part in preserving the Club’s Premier League status but it is understandable that many fans will do so with a heavy heart.”
Trust officials pointed to their ‘Five Principles for Spurs ownership include Leading with Integrity and Championing Ethical Standards’, which has a current performance rate of just 2.2 out of 10 meaning that there is risk of further erosion of confidence unless the club address “with clarity, humility, and decisive action.”
Tottenham’s leadership was also called into question as the Trust blasted various blunders despite repeat warnings and warned that the board need to commit to restoring supporters’ belief through honesty and affirming the clubs’ principles.
“We fully understand that the immediate priority is to avoid relegation. However, this situation is the result of prolonged strategic failings. THST have warned for years that the Club was heading in this direction, and the lack of timely, sound decision-making has now left options severely compromised.
“It will take significant effort for many fans to restore their faith in the Club’s leadership. That process must begin with transparency, accountability and a renewed commitment to the principles that define Tottenham Hotspur.”