Mason Greenwood has previously hailed Tottenham Hotspur-linked Roberto de Zerbi as "a mastermind of the game." The former Manchester United forward made those comments in December last year playing under the the Italian head coach at Marseille.
De Zerbi has been repeatedly linked with the managerial position at Spurs, but had previously made it clear he did not wish to return to management until the summer. However, reports on Wednesday claimed that the Italian has changed his mind regarding the Spurs job and would be open to taking the role this season if it becomes available.
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Spurs are currently battling relegation and there's a serious chance they could be playing in the Championship next season following a disastrous Premier League campaign under Thomas Frank and current interim boss Igor Tudor. Tottenham sit 17th in the top-flight table - just a point clear of third-from-bottom West Ham United with seven games left to play.
Tudor's arrival has failed to improve Spurs' fortunes with last Sunday's dismal 3-0 defeat to relegation rivals Nottingham Forest a new nadir for the Lily Whites. It has led to suggestions that Tottenham could be looking for another new manager with former Brighton and Marseille boss De Zerbi among the names linked.
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And Marseille striker Greenwood was full of praise for De Zerbi in an interview with French publication Telefoot late last year.
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The 24-year-old said: "He’s a mastermind of the game, with his ideas. He has helped me understand football a lot more. Since I arrived, he has helped me on a daily basis to help me get better."
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It has been claimed by i that De Zerbi would be ready to 'get his hands dirty' and take on the Tottenham job if he is approached. The report adds that Spurs are giving 'serious thought' to replacing Tudor before the end of the campaign.
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It is also claimed that the out-of-work De Zerbi would be willing to assume responsibility for saving Tottenham from the drop. Tudor is currently mourning the death of his father and Tottenham will be mindful of giving him time and space.
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The Lilywhites do not return to action until after the March international break with an away trip to Sunderland on April 12 (2pm GMT). They then have another vital game six days later at home to Brighton.
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