Tottenham Hotspur has announced the appointment of Roberto De Zerbi as the successor to Igor Tudor.
The former Marseille head coach, who has been unemployed since parting ways with the French side in February, comes to Tottenham at a critical time, with the team just one point above the relegation zone in the Premier League.
According to ESPN sources, the deal with the Italian manager includes a significant bonus for maintaining the club’s Premier League status. However, it’s unclear if there are provisions related to potential relegation.
“I am thrilled to be joining this incredible club, which is one of the largest and most esteemed in the world,” De Zerbi said in a statement released by the club.
“In every conversation I’ve had with the club’s leadership, their vision for the future has been unmistakable — to build a team capable of achieving greatness while playing an exciting and inspiring style of football for our supporters. I am committed to that ambition and have agreed to a long-term contract to help realize it.”
“Our immediate goal is to ascend the Premier League standings, and I will focus entirely on that until the final whistle of the season,” he added. “I am eager to get on the training ground and collaborate with the players to achieve this aim.”
Sporting director Johan Lange commented, “Roberto was our top choice for the summer, and we are delighted to have secured him now. He is among the most innovative and forward-thinking coaches in world football, bringing extensive experience at the highest level, including in the Premier League.”
However, the Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust (THST) expressed their concerns regarding his appointment, citing De Zerbi’s previous support for Mason Greenwood.
Greenwood had faced serious charges in October 2022, but the Crown Prosecution Service dropped them in February 2023, following the withdrawal of key witnesses and the emergence of new evidence.
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Tudor’s brief stint marks him as one of the shortest-serving managers in Premier League history
“While we recognize the limited number of managers available with recent Premier League experience and recognize the urgency required as Spurs confront relegation, this appointment raises significant concerns. Many fans have reached out to share their feelings on this issue, and we made our views known to the club before the announcement,” the THST statement read.
“The club previously pledged to combat violence against women and uphold integrity in their decisions. De Zerbi’s remarks regarding Mason Greenwood were inappropriate, ill-timed, and deeply offensive to many supporters, and they will likely alarm victims of male violence. We fear his statements might fracture the unity among supporters at a crucial time when solidarity is needed to support the team.”
“The club’s decision places undue pressure on the unity fostered by the ‘All Together, Always’ initiative. If De Zerbi’s views are genuine, they pose serious questions about our club’s values. The club must reaffirm its commitment to the principles we fans cherish, including equality, respect, and integrity. Any perceived sympathy toward those accused of physical or sexual violence against women fundamentally erodes trust in the leadership of this club.”
De Zerbi’s first challenge will be an away match against Sunderland on April 12.
This report includes information from ESPN’s James Olley.