Tottenham Hotspur have secured Roberto De Zerbi as their new manager in a bid to avert relegation catastrophe, GB News understands, though the appointment has triggered immediate backlash from supporter groups over controversial remarks the Italian made regarding Mason Greenwood.
The north London club, languishing just one point above the drop zone with seven fixtures remaining, turned to the 44-year-old former Brighton boss following Igor Tudor’s disastrous 44-day tenure that yielded minimal results.
An official announcement is expected imminently once final contractual details are resolved, with De Zerbi inheriting a side winless in 13 consecutive Premier League matches—a nightmarish sequence that has transformed Spurs’ season into a survival battle.
The Italian has been without employment since his dismissal from Marseille earlier this year and had previously expressed eagerness to return to English football, remaining receptive to Tottenham’s approach throughout negotiations that continued overnight.
De Zerbi’s previous Premier League experience at Brighton established his credentials amongst England’s elite clubs, though his candidacy has proven divisive amongst the Tottenham faithful before he has managed a single match.
Four supporter organisations have publicly opposed the appointment, citing comments De Zerbi made whilst managing in France regarding Greenwood, the former Manchester United forward who was arrested nearly four years ago on suspicion of rape and assault before Greater Manchester Police dropped all charges.
In November, De Zerbi characterised Greenwood as a “good guy” whilst suggesting the player had paid a “heavy price” following the allegations. The Italian declined to criticise Greenwood during their time together at Marseille—a stance now generating controversy at his new club.
The managerial merry-go-round at Tottenham has reached farcical levels, with De Zerbi becoming the club’s third permanent appointment in recent weeks. Tudor’s February installation followed Thomas Frank’s dismissal after what officials termed a “nightmare stint,” yet the Croatian lasted barely six weeks before his own departure.
De Zerbi faces an immediate baptism of fire with Spurs travelling to Sunderland on Sunday, 12 April—giving him 12 days to arrest the club’s alarming decline and implement his tactical philosophy.
The appointment represents a significant gamble for Tottenham’s hierarchy, who have opted for a manager with proven Premier League pedigree despite the baggage accompanying his candidacy and the club’s perilous league position requiring instant results rather than lengthy rebuilding projects.
