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Tottenham players have returned from their first training session under Roberto De Zerbi with “rave reviews,” sparking a much-needed wave of optimism at a club currently fighting for its Premier League survival.

The 46-year-old Italian, who signed a five-year contract earlier this week to succeed Igor Tudor, took to the grass at Hotspur Way for the first time on Friday.

According to football.london, the impact was immediate, with the players appearing to buy into De Zerbi’s high-intensity methods from the opening minute.

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Tottenham players left impressed with Roberto De Zerbi

As per the report from Alasdair Gold, the atmosphere at the North London club has shifted overnight.

One senior player reportedly described the session as “outstanding” to close friends and others provided glowing feedback regarding the ‘level of the work’.

Footage released by the club also showed the former Brighton boss working closely with young talents like Lucas Bergvall, Mathys Tel, who returned to training following an injury, and Archie Gray.

De Zerbi’s top priority is to keep Tottenham up

Despite the positive “vibes” from the training ground, the reality of Tottenham’s situation remains grim.

Spurs are currently 17th in the Premier League, sitting just one point above West Ham in the final relegation spot with only seven games remaining.

Position Team Games Played Points GD 15 Leeds United 31 33 -11 16 Nottingham Forest 31 32 -12 17 Tottenham 31 30 -10 18 West Ham 31 29 -21

Premier League relegation battle

De Zerbi has exactly one week to embed his philosophy before his first official test: a daunting trip to Sunderland on April 12.

With the club’s top-flight status on the line, the board is banking on this “outstanding” first impression translating into immediate results to avoid a historic drop to the Championship.

Archie Gray has been very impressive since joining Tottenham Hotspur from Leeds United at the start of the season.

He is already being linked with a potential move away from the club in the summer. Liverpool has been mentioned as a potential destination, and the player is likely to cost a significant sum.

The 20-year-old has been an important player for Tottenham, and he has shown the ability to play in multiple roles across the pitch. His versatility makes him a massive asset for any team, and it will be interesting to see if Liverpool is willing to pay big money for him in the summer. According to John Wenham, the player is likely to cost around £70 million.

Wenham said: “Spurs paid £40m for him, and he is likely to be the club’s Player and Young Player of the Year as well as the Supporters’ and Players’ player.

“Spurs should be looking to build the side around Archie rather than entertain any offers to sell, but I estimate a starting price point would be north of £70m.”

It remains to be seen how the situation develops. Tottenham is fighting for survival in the Premier League, and they must remain in the top flight if they want to keep their top players at the club. Going down to the Championship could be devastating for them, and they could lose multiple players in the summer.

If they manage to stay up, it is fair to assume that they will be able to hold onto the young midfielder beyond this season. Gray is enjoying his football with the London club, and he has an important role in the side. He has no reason to leave them just yet. However, relegation could change everything.

Liverpool needs more quality and depth in the middle of the park, and the 20-year-old could be the ideal long-term investment. His ability to slot into multiple roles would be ideal for the Reds.

Tottenham’s new manager Roberto De Zerbi could reportedly get the chance to work with one of his former players again.

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Spurs are being linked with a new goalkeeper this summer, with Brighton’s Bart Verbruggen reported to be one of their top targets in that position, as per talkSPORT.

Verbruggen has impressed during his time at Brighton and it seems De Zerbi remains a big fan of the Dutch shot-stopper.

It’s also suggested in talkSPORT’s report that Brighton are relaxed about the situation as they have another ‘keeper ready to come in as number one in the form of Carl Rushworth, who has impressed on loan at Coventry City.

Tottenham to bring in a new goalkeeper?

Tottenham surely need an upgrade on Guglielmo Vicario in goal, and Verbruggen looks like a strong candidate to be their new number one.

It has previously been reported by TEAMtalk that Vicario could be replaced this summer, with Manchester City’s James Trafford mentioned as another option Spurs could look at.

Trafford has struggled for playing time at Man City this season, however, so might be a bit more rusty by the time next season comes around.

Verbruggen, by contrast, has continued to play regularly for Brighton, so would be arriving in north London in good condition.

Pervis Estupinan has been linked with a return to the Premier League at the end of the season.

The defender could be on his way out of AC Milan in the summer, and Tottenham Hotspur are prepared to bring him back to England. According to a report from Milan Live, the player is particularly appreciated by Roberto De Zerbi, who signed a long-term contract with the north London club yesterday.

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De Zerbi wants Pervis Estupinan

He has been appointed the club’s new manager and is looking to further improve the team. Ben Davies will leave the club in the summer, and they need to replace him. Signing an experienced left-back would be a wise decision, and Estupinan could prove to be a quality acquisition.

He has shown his quality in the Premier League with Brighton, scoring a stunning goal against Tottenham during his time in England. There is no doubt he has the ability to succeed at Tottenham as well. The opportunity to join the London club could be exciting for him. He has also been linked with Atletico Madrid.

De Zerbi worked with the player during their time together at Brighton, and a reunion could be exciting for both parties. It remains to be seen whether Tottenham come forward with an offer to sign the player in the summer.

Estupinan needs a move

Estupinan is not a regular starter for AC Milan, and they could be open to selling him for the right price. Tottenham will look to capitalise on his situation and sign him for a reasonable fee in the summer.

The 28-year-old Ecuador international has had just 891 minutes of league football this season, and he needs to play more often at this stage of his career. Returning to England could give him the fresh start he needs right now.

Former Tottenham manager Tim Sherwood has officially backed the club to appoint Roberto De Zerbi, labeling the Italian as the “perfect” candidate to lead the Lilywhites’ long-term rebuilding project.

The endorsement comes at a time of unprecedented crisis for Spurs, who are currently searching for their third manager of a chaotic 2025/26 campaign following the dismissal of Igor Tudor after just 44 days.

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Tim Sherwood on Roberto De Zerbi

Sherwood admitted he has long been an admirer of the former Brighton and Marseille boss, stating that he will be perfect for the club.

He highlighted De Zerbi’s uncompromising nature as both a strength and a potential friction point for the Tottenham hierarchy.

Sherwood told Sky Sports (via The Mirror):

“I love his personality and the way his teams play. But they can be open and can get hammered in some games – you can’t get hammered between now and the end of the season.

“We saw his Marseille team play against Liverpool with an open style. He opens up the pitch, it’s expansive the way he plays.

“We know how stubborn this man is. This man is hard to deal with, but I like him for that because he’s got his own mind and does it his way, so that’s my only reservation.

“I think if he can get them over the line, I think he’s a perfect manager for Tottenham to have taking them forward. The main priority is just to keep them in the league.”

De Zerbi’s excellent managerial record

The Italian has built a reputation as one of Europe’s top tacticians and is backed by a resume that features high-octane football across three major leagues.

During his tenure at Shakhtar, he achieved a remarkable 2.17 points per game.

He famously guided Brighton to European qualification for the first time in their history before a successful, albeit brief, stint at Marseille.

Most recently in France, he maintained a 1.81 points per game average before departing in February 2026.

Club Matches Wins Draws Losses Points Per Match Olympique de Marseille 69 39 8 22 1.81 Brighton & Hove Albion 89 38 20 31 1.51 Shakhtar Donetsk 30 20 5 5 2.17 Sassuolo 120 43 36 41 1.38

Roberto De Zerbi’s stats via Transfermarkt

With only seven games remaining and Spurs sitting just one point above the relegation zone, the club is reportedly prepared to offer De Zerbi a lucrative long-term contract.

The hierarchy will hope that he can make an instant impact that can provide the spark needed to avoid a historic drop to the Championship.

Mauricio Pochettino has confirmed that Tottenham has not approached him regarding a sensational return to the club, but the former Spurs boss notably refused to rule out a move back to North London in the future.

Speaking ahead of the United States Men’s National Team’s (USMNT) friendly against Portugal, Pochettino addressed the swirling speculation linking him with the the Tottenham job.

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Mauricio Pochettino on Tottenham links

Pochettino in his latest interview was asked about the links with Tottenham and Real Madrid, to which he admitted that there have been no contact with either club.

Emphasising on his commitment with the American national team, he said (quotes via Ben Jacobs):

“No talks. We are very, very focused here on the World Cup. Everyone knows that I have a commitment with the national team here. It’s not the point to talk about the future. No one approached me. But who knows what is going to happen?”

While he maintained his professional stance, his admission that “who knows” what the future holds, coupled with the fact that his current contract expires after this summer’s World Cup, has kept the door open.

Interestingly, he also signaled a willingness to extend his stay in international management, adding, “We are open [to staying with the USMNT], why not if the federation is happy?”

?? Mauricio Pochettino asked on links with Spurs and Real Madrid.

“No talks. We are very very focused here on the World Cup.

“Everyone knows that I have a commitment with the national team here. It’s not the point to talk about the future.

“No one approached me. But who knows…

— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) March 30, 2026

Spurs moving in fast for De Zerbi

Pochettino’s lack of contact with Spurs suggests the club hierarchy is looking elsewhere for an immediate solution to their crisis.

Following the Igor Tudor’s exit after just 44 days, Tottenham are reportedly moving at pace to secure former Brighton and Marseille manager Roberto De Zerbi.

With Premier League survival on the line, Spurs are said to have gone big to convince De Zerbi to take the role immediately.

Appointing De Zerbi now on a permanent deal would end the story of a fairytale return of Pochettino, at least for the near future.

Leeds United defender Pascal Struijk has been linked with a move away from the club at the end of the season.

He has a contract with the Premier League club until 2027, and naturally, he’s being linked with a move away in the summer. He could be available for a reasonable amount of money, and Leeds would be prepared to cash in for an offer of around £30 million.

According to Sports Boom, Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United and Aston Villa are interested in the 26-year-old defender.

Tottenham need more depth in the defence, especially with players like Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven linked with moves away. On the other hand, Aston Villa would be prepared to pay £20 million to sign the player.

Newcastle are looking to add more depth to the defensive unit as well, and they believe that the Leeds star could be the ideal option for them. The 26-year-old has shown his quality in the Premier League, and he could be attracted to the idea of taking on a new challenge.

All three clubs could be exciting destinations for him. Tottenham and Newcastle have exciting projects, and the Dutchman will be able to fight for trophies with them in future. On the other hand, Aston Villa is pushing for Champions League qualification for the upcoming campaign. It will be interesting to see where he ends up.

The £30 million asking price seems expensive for a player who will enter the final year of his contract in the summer. Any interested club will look to sign him for a more reasonable fee in the coming weeks.

De Zerbi appointment would shut door on dream Pochettino return

For a large section of the Spurs faithful, the news brings a bittersweet realisation: the door on a romantic return for Mauricio Pochettino appears firmly shut for now.

Despite Pochettino being available and willing to take the Spurs job regardless of their Premier League status, his current commitments with the United States National Team ahead of the 2026 World Cup made an immediate move to N17 logistically impossible.

If the deal is finalised, De Zerbi will be tasked with the immediate mission of securing Premier League safety, starting with a daunting trip to Sunderland on April 12.

Belgian midfielder Mandela Keita has been linked with a move away from Parma at the end of the season and Tottenham Hotspur are keen on him.

The North London club have scouted him extensively and they are prepared to make a move in the summer. It remains to be seen whether the Italian club is prepared to sell the 23 year-old at the end of the season. The defensive midfielder has been a key player for them, and his departure would be a blow.

However, the opportunity to join a Premier league club will be hard to turn down for the Belgian. It would be a massive opportunity for him, and he will look to take the next step in his career. Tottenham need a quality defensive midfielder like him who can help them protect the back four and control games.

As per reports via SportWitness, Aston Villa are interested in the player as well. They need more quality and depth in the team if they want to build a side capable of competing in Europe regularly.

The midfielder has a contract with Parma until 2029, and they are under no pressure to sell him in the summer. Tottenham and Aston Villa will have to come forward with an outrageous offer in order to convince them.

The 23 year-old has the physical and technical attributes for Premier League football and he could establish himself as a key player for either club. Even though they might have to pay a premium right now, the Belgian might be able to justify the investment in future.

Aston Villa are currently pushing for Champions League qualification. On the other hand, Tottenham are fighting for survival in the Premier League. It will be interesting to see where the 23 year-old ends up.

Former Brighton and Marseille manager Roberto De Zerbi may now be open to taking over as Tottenham manager straight away.

The Italian tactician is out of work at the moment after leaving Marseille earlier this season, and has long been regarded as one of the top coaches in the game.

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Fabrizio Romano reported on his YouTube channel yesterday that De Zerbi was Spurs’ top target, but that his preference was to take over in the summer.

Still, Romano added that Tottenham were pushing to convince De Zerbi to take the job now, and it seems they may have made some progress in persuading him to change his mind.

Roberto De Zerbi evaluating five-year Tottenham contract

See below as reliable Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio claims that De Zerbi is now open to joining THFC this season on a five-year contract…

Apertura di De Zerbi a valutare l'offerta del Tottenham, che propone 5 anni di contratto: prossime ore decisive per il sì

— Gianluca Di Marzio (@DiMarzio) March 30, 2026

It seems the coming hours will be decisive, with Spurs possibly closing in on their ideal managerial appointment.

If the north Londoners can get this through then it surely boosts their chances of avoiding relegation this season.

Roberto De Zerbi’s impressive record

De Zerbi is yet to take charge of a truly elite European club, but he’s become well known for over-achieving with his teams and getting them to play an attractive brand of football.

Things didn’t go entirely to plan for him at Marseille, but he still left with a decent record, and Tottenham will know all about his Premier League credentials after the job he did at Brighton.

De Zerbi record Wins Draws Losses Win % Shakhtar 20 5 5 66.67% Brighton 38 22 29 42.70% Marseille 39 10 20 56.52%

Igor Tudor’s exit from Spurs was officially announced yesterday and it looks like the right call after his awful record since taking over on an interim basis.

It won’t necessarily be easy for any manager to get Tottenham out of danger of relegation, but De Zerbi seems like the best possible bet for the club at this stage.