De Zerbi Takes Over At Tottenham As Premier League Survival Hangs In The Balance

‎Tottenham have officially appointed Roberto De Zerbi as their new manager as they fight to avoid a stunning Premier League relegation.

‎The Italian became available after mutually leaving Marseille in February, allowing Spurs to act swiftly. His arrival follows the dismissal of interim coach Igor Tudor, who lasted just 44 days and seven matches.

‎Tottenham are currently only one point above the drop zone with seven games remaining and have no league wins in 2026.

‎“I am delighted to be joining this fantastic football club, which is one of the biggest and most prestigious in the world,” De Zerbi said.

‎“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.”

‎De Zerbi’s career path as a Coach

‎De Zerbi built a strong reputation in England during his two-year spell as Brighton manager from 2022 to 2024. He led the Seagulls to their first-ever European campaign and reached the FA Cup semi-finals in 2023.

‎He then spent a brief period at Marseille, finishing second in Ligue 1 in his only full season.

‎Now, the 46-year-old returns to England, taking charge of Tottenham on a long-term deal.

‎Tottenham have not tasted life outside the top flight of English football since 1977-78.

‎Tottenham’s trajectory till now

‎Despite possessing a 63,000-seat stadium, elite training facilities, and revenues that place them among the world’s top 10 richest clubs, Tottenham now finds itself dangerously close to a shocking drop to the Championship.

‎Not long ago, they were Champions League regulars under Mauricio Pochettino, even reaching the 2019 final. Last season, under Ange Postecoglou, they ended a 17-year trophy drought by lifting the Europa League, yet concerns about their league form persisted as he was dismissed after finishing 17th despite that European triumph.

‎His replacement, Thomas Frank, was removed in February following just two wins in 17 league matches.

‎De Zerbi is set to take charge for the first time when Spurs face Sunderland on April 12th.