The Spurs News

Paul Merson is certain that the huge finances involved in Roberto De Zerbi’s appointment is the actual reason he has agreed to join Tottenham Hotspur now.

De Zerbi is close to agreeing to join Tottenham and is tasked with keeping the North London club in the Premier League.

🗣️ Spurs fans, who would you prefer as YOUR next manager: Mauricio Pochettino or Roberto De Zerbi?

Tottenham saw De Zerbi as their ‘dream appointment’ and look to have thrown the kitchen sink to bring the Italian coach in now.

Merson has now been discussing the arrival of the 46-year-old, and he believes that the former Brighton man is a very good manager.

Paul Merson on Roberto De Zerbi to Tottenham

Paul Merson believes that Tottenham simply had to ‘throw the kitchen sink’ at Roberto De Zerbi to bring him in and save them from relegation.

Initially, De Zerbi was not keen to join Tottenham before the end of the season, but the North London club have seemingly made a big play to get him in.

The former Arsenal player now believes that the Lilywhites must have offered him a huge financial package to try and lead them to safety.

MORE SPURS STORIES

“100 per cent, there was talk that he wanted to come in at the end of the start of next season, and now he’s coming, he’s going to come in now,” Merson told Sky Sports.

“So, they have to throw the kitchen sink at him. They have to, you know, they can’t afford to go down. If they go down, it’s just unthinkable.

“So, you’ve got to take that chance, and whatever the bonus is, it’s a cup of tea in football terms if he keeps them up.

“If he doesn’t keep them up, everything goes out the window. You know that they’re a business now. They get concerts, they have go-karts, and they have American football.

“Throw in another four home games on top, and then all of a sudden, you can’t be booking Robbie Williams to do a concert because you might be in the playoffs.”

🔮 How many points will Roberto De Zerbi take from his first five matches at Spurs?

Merson also admitted that he is impressed that Spurs have managed to attract a manager of the calibre of De Zerbi, whom he is a big fan of.

He added: “So, all this stuff changes now, you know, and it’s huge. But it just shows you how big Tottenham is because they can get him.

“This lad is a top top manager that a lot of clubs would have. But they’ve had good managers. They’ve had very good managers and look where they are. They’re 17th in the league.”

De Zerbi’s first game in charge of Spurs is now in 12 days, in which the team travel away to the Stadium of Light to face Sunderland.

Roberto De Zerbi will not stay at Tottenham Hotspur if the club is relegated to the Championship at the end of the season.

Tottenham are close to appointing De Zerbi as their new manager after sacking Igor Tudor following a run of five Premier League matches without a win.

🔮 How many points will Roberto De Zerbi take from his first five matches at Spurs?

The Italian coach is now tasked with keeping the North London club in the Premier League with just seven matches remaining this season.

However, were the 46-year-old to fail in his mission to keep Spurs up, then the former Brighton boss is very unlikely to stay and manage in the Championship.

Roberto De Zerbi would not stay at Tottenham in the Championship

Roberto De Zerbi will have a clause in his Tottenham Hotspur contract which would allow him to walk away if the club end up in the Championship, according to Julien Laurens.

Meanwhile, De Zerbi’s wages at Spurs would be halved if the N17 club are relegated, and the Lilywhites also hold their own break clause.

Speaking on Monday Night Club, Laurens said: “He’s not a Championship manager. There is no doubt in my mind, and I was told that again earlier, that there will be a clause for him to walk away.

MORE SPURS STORIES

“There’s a break clause obviously if they do go down from the club’s point of view, but he would not stay in the Championship if they were to go down.”

De Zerbi sees Tottenham’s potential, and if they did complete the great escape, then a massive squad rebuild would be in order over the summer.

🗣️ Spurs fans, who would you prefer as YOUR next manager: Mauricio Pochettino or Roberto De Zerbi?

Laurens adds that Spurs’ current group of players are not particularly suited to De Zerbi’s high-risk style of football.

“He would certainly feel that he failed if he didn’t keep them up. If he keeps them up, then he stays there. I think he sees the great potential of the club,” claimed the French journalist.

“But they will have a massive rebuild to do, because there are not many players in that current squad that fit for him and his philosophy.”

The Lilywhites are now just 13 days away from their next Premier League fixture, which is away at the Stadium of Light against Sunderland.

Mauricio Pochettino and Roberto De Zerbi are Tottenham Hotspur’s two dream appointments following the sacking of Igor Tudor.

Tottenham have sacked Tudor following a run of five matches without a win in the Premier League and after just 44 days since appointing him.

🚨 IGOR TUDOR HAS LEFT TOTTENHAM – WHO DO YOU WANT TO REPLACE HIM?

Have your say below 👇

Pochettino could make a sensational return to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but De Zerbi’s name is also very much in contention.

The big issue facing Poch’s return is the fact that they are with the United States national team and will coach them at the World Cup; meanwhile, the Italian manager is currently out of work.

Tottenham dream of appointing Roberto De Zerbi now

Tottenham Hotspur dream of appointing Roberto De Zerbi and are working hard to bring him to N17 this month, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Whatever happens in the short-term future, Spurs see De Zerbi, along with Pochettino, as their dream target for the summer.

Romano told his YouTube channel: “What I can tell you today is that Tottenham are still dreaming of Roberto De Zerbi, are still hoping to confirm Roberto De Zerbi as their top target and also still trying to find a way to appoint Roberto De Zerbi.

MORE SPURS STORIES

“Now that remains the mission that remains the dream of Tottenham Hotspur, I would say, because the two names I’ve always mentioned to you are on one side, Roberto De Zerbi.”

Fill in the blank: Roberto De Zerbi would be a ____________ appointment for Tottenham…

👀 Would De Zerbi be better than Mauricio Pochettino?

Tottenham are set to face a strong battle to convince De Zerbi now, but he seems more likely to arrive than Pochettino at this stage.

Mauricio Pochettino is focused on the USA job

Mauricio Pochettino remains fully focused on his job with the USA national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

The Argentine will not be entering negotiations now with Spurs about joining, which is likely the reason they are pushing hard for De Zerbi.

“On the other side, Mauricio Pochettino, but Pochettino is busy with the US men’s national team ahead of the World Cup,” added Romano

“Pochettino is not going to negotiate any deal now with Tottenham. He wants to focus on the World Cup, and after that, we’ll see what happens.

“So Tottenham are going really strong for Roberto De Zerbi. Let’s see if they find a way to convince De Zerbi. But he remains the dream target for the summer.”

Ben Davies has emerged as a shock contender to take the Tottenham Hotspur job on an interim basis to replace Igor Tudor.

Tottenham have sacked Tudor following a winless run of five in the Premier League and just 44 days after announcing him as interim.

👀 How would you react if Spurs appointed Ben Davies as interim manager?

Davies suffered a season-ending injury back in January and could be ready to take the job immediately until the end of the season.

The defender has already been awarded his UEFA A and Elite Youth A Licence, now making him a strong contender to take charge.

Ben Davies could replace Igor Tudor as Tottenham manager

Ben Davies could replace Igor Tudor as Tottenham Hotspur manager, according to The Telegraph, in what could be one of the most dramatic stories of the season.

Tottenham want Roberto De Zerbi; however, it looks like a short-term option is likely to be the route which the North London club are forced to go down.

The £10 million defender is on a list which also includes the likes of Harry Redknapp, Glenn Hoddle, Tim Sherwood, Chris Hughton, Adi Hutter and Sean Dyche.

MORE SPURS STORIES

🚨 IGOR TUDOR HAS LEFT TOTTENHAM – WHO DO YOU WANT TO REPLACE HIM?

Have your say below 👇

Redknapp has been endorsed by Gary Lineker to take the job with the club needing a manager who understands the Premier League.

The former Spurs boss has not been a manager since 2017, when he took charge of Birmingham City and was sacked after five straight defeats.

Dyche was another coach who would arrive with expeince of managing in the Premier League, and having worked in a relegation battle.

However, Alex Crook claims that appointing the former Nottingham Forest manager would be complicated at this stage.

Hutter was sacked as manager of AS Monaco earlier this season and could arrive at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with experience of working at a major club.

Right now, Spurs need stability and cannot afford to take another gamble on a coach with little experience in the Premier League.

Tottenham Hotspur have officially sacked Igor Tudor, and now the hunt for his replacement is on, with Sean Dyche and Harry Redknapp both candidates.

Following a run of five Premier League matches without a win, Spurs have opted to part ways with the Croatian head coach after just 44 days.

🚨 IGOR TUDOR HAS LEFT TOTTENHAM – WHO DO YOU WANT TO REPLACE HIM?

Have your say below 👇

Alasdair Gold reports that the North London club want to replace him in the next few days, with Bruno Salter taking training for now.

Following the departure of Tudor, The Spurs News assesses the names who are in contention to take the hot seat at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Harry Redknapp

Harry Redknapp has been one of the biggest names linked with a shock return to management, and he is someone the Lilywhites could return to.

Former Spurs striker Gary Lineker has backed Harry Redknapp to get the job, with the club needing a coach who knows the Premier League.

Would Harry Redknapp have enough in him to save Tottenham? 😬

He's done it before, could he do it again?

MORE SPURS STORIES

The former Spurs boss has admitted that he would take the role were the North London club to come knocking in the next few days.

Roberto De Zerbi

Tottenham have been working to get Roberto De Zerbi in before the end of the season, although that remains a tough ask.

The Italian coach was sacked by Marseille earlier this year, and Spurs are keen to bring him back immediately.

De Zerbi would be by far the most ready-made candidate; however, his reputation for being tricky to work with makes him a big risk.

Sean Dyche

Sean Dyche is another contender for the Tottenham job, and his experience of battling relegation makes him an interesting candidate.

There would also be the interesting factor of him fighting with his former club, Nottingham Forest, to remain out of the 18th spot.

Fill in the blank: If Sean Dyche was appointed Tottenham manager, I would feel ________

Dyche has done great work at Burnley and Everton, making him an ideal contender for a club desperate to remain in the top flight.

Adi Hutter

Adi Hutter is another strong contender for the Spurs job following his recent sacking from AS Monaco.

The Austrian manager is known for playing a similar high-pressing style to Jurgen Klopp during his time at Liverpool.

However, his lack of Premier League experience would certainly mean he would be a huge risk to bring in now.

Chris Hughton

Ben Jacobs reports that Chris Hughton is on Spurs’ list of targets and could make a return to coaching.

Hughton has previously worked at Spurs as the assistant manager to Martin Jol.

Jermain Defoe claims that Nottingham Forest’s second goal against Tottenham was far too easy and Cristian Romero must shoulder much of the blame.

Spurs were thrashed 3-0 at home by Forest, and to add insult to injury, Morgan Gibbs-White netted the second goal during the defeat.

😠 AGREE or NOT: Cristian Romero MUST be DROPPED after Tottenham’s second goal conceded against Nottingham Forest…

Supporters have spotted how easily the visitors were allowed to score the second goal, and Romero’s involvement was rather embarrassing.

The Argentine international was spotted jogging back to defend, and Defoe believes that has been a theme of this season at Spurs.

Jermain Defoe slams Spurs’ defending against Nottingham Forest

Jermain Defoe was less than impressed by Spurs’ defending versus Nottingham Forest and is worried it is actually ‘getting worse’.

Gibbs-White was able to easily turn home the second goal for Forest at the weekend after being left unmarked in the penalty area.

The former Spurs target was given so much time in the middle of the penalty area, and Defoe claims the defending was just unforgivable.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Speaking to Premier League Productions, Defoe said: “The second goal was too easy. To have that space in the middle of the box, it’s baffling when you’re struggling at the bottom of the league.

“But yeah, it’s just the same. We’ve seen this all season, and it seems to be getting worse. That’s the worrying thing.”

Spurs players should have been fighting for everything following the impressive welcome they were given to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on the weekend.

Romero’s pre-match hype video before the Forest defeat has also been slammed as the defender did not show much ‘fight’.

😠 EMBARRASSING or NOT: Should Spurs have released such a message from Cuti Romero ahead of the Forest game?

Igor Tudor is now under pressure at Spurs to keep his job as interim coach, and several options are being discussed.

Defoe has been mentioned as an option to come in and help if a manager like Harry Redknapp were to be appointed.

But at this stage, the North London club seem reluctant to go down the route of appointing a club legend like Redknapp or Tim Sherwood.

Jurgen Klinsmann has now emerged as an option to replace Igor Tudor as the manager of Tottenham Hotspur until the end of the season.

The former German striker was one of the greatest players to grace the White Hart Lane pitch, and now he could return to the dugout at Spurs.

TRUE or FALSE: Tottenham must avoid Jurgen Klinsmann at all costs!

Tudor is under big pressure at Spurs, having taken just one point from five Premier League matches since taking over from Thomas Frank.

The North London club are now assessing all their options ahead of making yet another managerial change, and Klinsmann has entered the frame.

Spurs consider Jurgen Klinsmann

Spurs are now considering the appointment of Jurgen Klinsmann as interim manager, according to Sami Mokbel.

Klinsmann is a big fan favourite at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium following his time spent as a player in North London.

The World Cup winner played 68 times for the Lilywhites, netting 38 goals and getting 15 assists during his spell in N17.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Now, he is one of the options to replace Tudor as the Tottenham boss until the end of the season, along with Ryan Mason.

Speaking about the situation, Mokbel told Football Daily: “I think Ryan Mason would jump at the chance to do it on a temporary basis. That’s just one.

“Someone mentioned Jurgen Klinsmann to me today as a potential option. So there are options out there who have links to Tottenham Hotspur who would 100% be willing to take the position.”

Klinsmann already has plenty of experience as a manager, having managed the German national team, Bayern Munich, the United States, Hertha BSC and the South Korean national team.

True or false: Tottenham re-appointing Mauricio Pochettino would be a bad idea…

The ex-Spurs star managed Son Heung-min during his last coaching stint in 2024; however, things did not quite go to plan.

It would certainly be a bold move to go for the German, and they would be heavily reliant on his reputation with the fans lifting the mood.

Tottenham have been discussing the appointment of Marco Silva, although that seems like a move which would have to wait until the summer.

Tottenham Hotspur are considering their former player and assistant manager Chris Hughton as an option to succeed Igor Tudor.

Defeat at the weekend has piled the pressure on Tudor as his interim role at Tottenham has not had the desired impact in north London.

The Lilywhites now sit just one point above 18th-placed West Ham United with just seven games remaining.

Who is your dream appointment for the next permanent Spurs manager? 🫣

A change feels imminent at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with one last roll of the dice to save the club from relegation.

Tottenham considering Chris Hughton as Igor Tudor replacement

According to TeamTalk, Tottenham are looking at former assistant manager Hughton as a potential option to come in for the remainder of the season.

Jermaine Jenas slammed the appointment of Tudor, which already looks set to come to an end over the coming hours.

YES or NO: Would you take Tim Sherwood back at Tottenham until the end of the season?

MORE SPURS STORIES

One other name that has been strongly mentioned is Adi Hutter, with the former AS Monaco coach being considered by the Spurs hierarchy.

It is a decision that screams desperation from the Tottenham board as they find themselves in the unthinkable position of facing relegation to the Championship.

Tottenham would like to appoint Roberto De Zerbi, but they face a mammoth task of convincing him to join at this stage of the season.

As a result, a familiar face like Hughton could prove the most likely option for the club as the squad have failed to show any reaction to Tudor’s appointment in the Premier League.

Hughton’s managerial record

Hughton worked under the likes of Martin Jol, Glenn Hoddle, David Pleat and Jacques Santini between 2001 and 2007.

However, he is best known for his playing days in north London, where he played 387 times for Spurs and lifted two FA Cups and the UEFA Cup.

The 67-year-old has been out of work for two years following his stint as the Ghana national side coach.

Considering he has not managed in the Premier League since 2019, with Brighton & Hove Albion, it would mark a considerable risk from Spurs.

Tottenham Hotspur fans have been delighted with the performance of Archie Gray, despite the team being 1-0 down to Nottingham Forest at half-time.

Spurs find themselves 1-0 down at the break after Igor Jesus’ goal, which seemed to come against the run of play at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

👀 TRUE or FALSE: Archie Gray has been Spurs’ Player of the Season…

Gray has been really impressive for Spurs recently and was once again a bright spark for Igor Tudor’s team in the first 45 minutes.

During the first half, Spurs supporters have been full of praise for the midfielder, and they desperately need him in the second half.

Tottenham fans hail Archie Gray’s performance against Nottingham Forest

Tottenham Hotspur fans have been singing the praises of Archie Gray in the first half against Nottingham Forest.

The 20-year-old has been an important player for the Lilywhites over recent weeks, starting every game so far under Tudor.

Gray really impressed against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, and stepped up again for Spurs in the big relegation battle match.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Despite the scoreline, Spurs fans have been very happy with Gray and have taken to social media to sing his praises.

One fan said: “Archie Gray is the type of player you build your team around. Absolutely sensational footballer.”

“Archie Gray running circles around Elliot Anderson,” with the England U21 star stepping up in the midfield battle against the senior star.

👀 TRUE or FALSE: Archie Gray can become world class at Spurs…

There was big praise for one fan who stated: “Archie Gray has been very good. Future England star and captain.”

“Archie Gray is such a class act. What a lad we’ve got on our hands!” stated another fan.

There was yet more praise for the young midfielder: “Archie Gray is the life of this Spurs team.”

Finally, another simply added: “This Archie Gray performance is sensational.”

Tottenham Hotspur have their first win under Igor Tudor as they defeated Atletico Madrid 3-2 in the Champions League, with Xavi Simons running the show.

It was not enough to send the team through to the quarter-finals of the Champions League, but it was a much-needed confidence boost for the Lilywhites.

🗳️ VOTE for Spurs’ best player vs Atletico Madrid…

Xavi Simons netted twice, and Randal Kolo Muani also found the back of the net on a very encouraging evening for the North London club.

The Spurs News now assesses the players’ performances, and there were two stars who joined Simons on a match rating of nine.

Guglielmo Vicario – 7

Guglielmo Vicario made a few impressive saves against Atletico and certainly made up for his error against Liverpool from the weekend.

The Italian goalkeeper made a particularly impressive stop to deny a Cristian Romero deflection from heading into Spurs’ net, showing cat-like reactions.

Pedro Porro – 6

Pedro Porro played in a right midfield role against Atleti and was often a threat down that side for Spurs.

MORE SPURS STORIES

He did manage to complete just 15 of his 26 passes, though, which brings his rating down.

Cristian Romero – 6

Romero looked back to his best against Atletico, making 10 defensive contributions and playing in his usual aggressive manner.

Micky van de Ven – 6

Micky van de Ven had a mixed evening, making some good defensive actions, but he was partly at fault for Julian Alvarez’s goal.

Radu Dragusin – 5

Radu Dragusin played in an unusual role as a right-back, and he did look rather uncomfortable. Diego Simeone’s side had a fair amount of joy down his side.

Djed Spence – 7

Djed Spence was heavily involved in the match with 58 touches; however, defensively, he had a few issues, winning just two of his nine duels.

Archie Gray – 9

Archie Gray very much looks like he’s becoming a key player for Spurs and bossed the middle of the park.

The 20-year-old assisted Xavi Simons’ goal with some impressive work to win the ball and set up the Dutch attacker.

Pape Matar Sarr – 7

Pape Matar Sarr is another player who is growing in confidence towards the latter stages of the season and did all the basics well for Spurs.

Xavi Simons – 9

Simons was possibly Spurs’ best player on the night, and he very much deserved his two goals, one of which was a cracking effort from range.

The 22-year-old also managed five key passes, 77 touches and completed four dribbles against the Spanish side.

Mathys Tel – 9

Mathys Tel produced his best Tottenham performance so far, looking like the team’s most lively attacker in the first half.

The French youth international has not had it easy in a Spurs shirt; however, he could be a very useful player in the latter stages of the season.

👀 TRUE or FALSE: Mathys Tel can become a key player for Tottenham!

Randal Kolo Muani – 7

Randal Kolo Muani looked strong up front for Spurs and scored the opening goal of the game with an impressive header. A very encouraging display.