New Tottenham Hotspur head coach Roberto De Zerbi has suffered the first disappointment of his reign with the news that Alessandro Nesta has rejected the chance to join his coaching staff, according to reports in Italy.
De Zerbi's appointment at Tottenham on a five-year deal was confirmed earlier this week, with GIVEMESPORT sources revealing that the Italian has no relegation release clause in his contract.
The 46-year-old himself said in his first interview as Spurs boss on Thursday that he will be the manager next season whatever happens, with the club in serious danger of slipping into the Championship as things stand.
De Zerbi has seven games to steer the club away from the Premier League relegation zone, and more than a week to work with his players ahead of his first match in charge against Sunderland at the Stadium on Light on April 12.
While Spurs are currently one spot above the drop zone, they could find themselves in it by the time they kick off against Regis Le Bris' men a week on Sunday.
Nesta Rejects Tottenham Role
Reports from Italy emerged immediately after De Zerbi's appointment that he had opened talks with Nesta about joining him on his staff at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but that the 2006 World Cup winner had doubts as he has only held a head coach role during his management career to date.
While the 50-year-old was willing to at least listen to the offer from De Zerbi and Spurs, it is now reported by Tuttosport journalist Nico Schira that he has turned down the opportunity and is waiting for an offer for a more prominent role at a club.
Nesta left Monza at the end of last season after failing to keep them in Serie A, having previously held manager roles at MIiami FC in the USA, and Perugia, Frosinone, Reggiana and Monza in his homeland.
Who Could De Zerbi Appoint to His Backroom Team?
Former Tottenham midfielder Sandro has been linked with a role in De Zerbi's coaching team, but he confirmed on Thursday night that he has heard nothing yet on that being a possibility.
Otherwise, the Italian has tended to stick with the same team of people at Brighton and Marseille, with seven prominent names featuring.
Andrea Maldera and Enrico Venturelli, who were his assistants, appear to be the most likely to join him in north London.
Ricard Segara has been his regular head goalkeeping coach, while Vincenzo Teresa, Agostino Tibaudi and Marcattilio Marcattilii have acted as fitness coaches alongside the Italian.
Lastly, Marcello Quinto has acted as a senior professional development phase coach, being tasked with working with the youngsters at the club.