An incident involving a former Tottenham interim manager three years ago reportedly almost cost Roberto De Zerbi his job in north London
Tottenham confirmed the appointment of Roberto De Zerbi on Tuesday, but an incident from several years ago had once threatened to derail his chances. Back in April 2023, the Italian coach became embroiled in a touchline row with Cristian Stellini, who was Spurs' interim manager at the time.
The confrontation flared up before kick‑off, and a further clash early in the second half saw both managers sent off. According to the Daily Mail, De Zerbi was not considered for the job following Thomas Frank's dismissal, with club figures citing 'multiple reasons' for their reluctance.
One factor was reportedly his reputation as an 'incendiary character,' something Tottenham executives felt they had witnessed first‑hand during Brighton's visit three years ago. De Zerbi's finger‑jabbing and sharp exchanges with Stellini during the pre‑match handshake set the tone for a fiery afternoon.
It's believed De Zerbi took offence to Stellini's suggestion that he was merely continuing the good work of his predecessor, Graham Potter.
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"They came from a good [manager] with Graham Potter for a long time," Stellini said at the time. "I think Roberto De Zerbi has found a good solution to play with this style because with Potter the players know themselves very well. This is a great opportunity because when players play for a long time with each other it is easier."
In response, De Zerbi said: "Yes [I felt disrespected]. It's a personal situation. I told him what was my opinion, my idea, not bad words, only my opinion. I'm used to always respecting everyone inside and outside of the pitch. I don't like it when people don't respect me.
"But there are normal situations in football. It's personal things. I always respect everyone, especially the coaches. I can answer for me, not for him."
The former Brighton boss later told Sky Sports: "Sometimes when we speak Italian people seem aggressive. We were not aggressive. I don't want to speak about other managers. This is only the second game I'm a head coach. I want to respect every manager. What happened on the pitch, stays on the pitch."
On Tuesday, Spurs announced De Zerbi on a five‑year contract. Their official statement read: "We are pleased to announce the appointment of Roberto De Zerbi as our new Men’s Head Coach on a long-term contract, subject to work permit.
De Zerbi added: "I am delighted to be joining this fantastic football club, which is one of the biggest and most prestigious in the world. "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."
The 46-year-old had been out of work after leaving Marseille in February, has signed a lucrative five-year contract in north London.
He has replaced Igor Tudor, who was sacked on Sunday following a disastrous 44-day reign in north London, and has been first tasked with keeping the club in the Premier League.