Tottenham Hotspur are nearing yet another managerial change in what has been a chaotic season, with Roberto De Zerbi closing in on a contract – but his potential appointment raises serious questions at a time when stability is needed most. We’ve identified six reasons why De Zerbi to Spurs could end in disaster.
Tottenham Hotspur are now closing in on their third managerial appointment this season following the disappointing spells of Igor Tudor and Thomas Frank.
The former endured a winless Premier League run and left Spurs firmly in a relegation scrap, with just one point the difference between Tottenham in 17th and West Ham United in 18th place.
Frank, on the other hand, was tasked with leading Spurs into a new era following Ange Postecoglou’s sacking, but a falling out with fans and on-pitch struggles saw the Dane axed after eight months in charge.
Tottenham are now understood to be closing in on Roberto De Zerbi as they fight for Premier League survival with seven games left this season.
The Italian is Spurs’ number one choice and one they cannot afford to get wrong at this stage of the season, given the high stakes, with relegation to the Championship a huge possibility.
But there are a few question marks over the potential appointment of the 44-year-old, and we’ve now decided to run through six reasons why Roberto De Zerbi’s arrival could end in disaster for Tottenham.
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Tottenham fans split on Roberto De Zerbi appointment
There is no arguing that the mood around Tottenham Hotspur is low, given the club’s struggles on the pitch. Spurs supporters are also not the biggest fans of the owners, with protests having taken place several times in recent years.
With such an unstable atmosphere around the club, one would expect the next managerial appointment to be one adored by the fans – someone they can readily connect with and get behind. At the moment, that is far from the case with De Zerbi.
Various Spurs supporters’ groups have already come out to speak against the potential appointment of the former Brighton manager, as they believe De Zerbi’s backing of Mason Greenwood at Marseille leaves a bad taste for the club’s image.
Other Tottenham fans have labelled De Zerbi toxic due to the falling out he often has with his former clubs.
Notably, the 44-year-old has not stayed at a single club for more than two years. There were also instances of his stern managerial style at Marseille, where he had a falling out with Kone.
With supporters not fully backing him at the start, it will become rather difficult for them to do so later on during his tenure should results turn.
Spurs face financial risk with Roberto De Zerbi contract and wages
Regardless of fan opinion, it is clear that Tottenham are very keen on bringing De Zerbi into the club, given how persistent they have been. Reports state that De Zerbi turned down Spurs’ initial offers as he preferred to decide on his next steps during the summer.
But Tottenham did not give up in their pursuit. Instead, they opted to sweeten his deal further in a bid to convince him to join. A five-year contract with substantial relegation clauses has now been offered to the former Brighton manager.
De Zerbi’s deal is also set to be one of the most lucrative in the Premier League, placing him in the same salary bracket as Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta. This leaves Spurs in a situation where, if they were to sack De Zerbi, they would have to pay significant compensation.
Thus far, Tottenham have spent a whopping £156.6 million on managerial sackings at the time of Postecoglou’s departure. That figure could have moved closer to £170 million after Frank’s exit and could edge towards £180 million if De Zerbi is dismissed before his proposed five-year deal ends.
Tottenham risk imbalance with De Zerbi relegation clause
Not only is De Zerbi being offered a lucrative five-year deal, but there are also rumours of a relegation break clause being included. The clause allows the former Brighton manager to walk away from the job should he fail to keep Spurs in the top flight.
To put that into perspective, De Zerbi would effectively get what he initially wanted if Tottenham were relegated, as he would once more be able to assess his options in the summer and take another job should things not work out in north London.
That creates a situation that benefits the Italian manager while leaving Tottenham at a disadvantage. It is the price they may have to pay for earlier instability, but with the club desperate and the structure of the proposed deal, it raises further questions.
Spurs may struggle with De Zerbi’s slow Brighton start record
De Zerbi is a top manager who generally guarantees an attractive attacking style of football – something Thomas Frank failed to deliver.
The 44-year-old earned praise from Premier League managers for how his Brighton side baited teams into pressing before playing through it with precision.
Some teams in the league even attempted to adopt elements of his approach, which speaks volumes about his tactical level. Pep Guardiola also praised Frank during his time at Brentford, but that did not prevent him from struggling at Spurs.
With De Zerbi, there is a sense that his style may require time before results follow. His first five games at Brighton produced three defeats and two draws, before improving to two wins in his first seven matches.
A return of eight points from seven games is solid, and if replicated at Tottenham in this relegation scrap, it could prove enough. He did, however, go on to enjoy a strong first season, finishing in the top six and securing a Europa League spot.
Tim Sherwood also believes De Zerbi is a good choice, but fears he is not ideal at this stage due to his style of play.
Tottenham concerns grow over Roberto De Zerbi history of fallouts
While De Zerbi is a highly regarded coach with a clear philosophy, there is a growing sense that he can be volatile. In May 2024, the 44-year-old left Brighton by mutual consent, reportedly due to irreconcilable differences with owner Tony Bloom over transfer strategy and long-term ambition.
De Zerbi pushed for greater financial backing and experienced players, while the club remained committed to its data-driven model focused on developing younger talent.
Earlier this year, he also left Marseille in February 2026 by mutual consent following a 5-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain and a Champions League exit.
His departure came amid mounting pressure, a breakdown in relationships with players, and tensions within the dressing room.
Despite a 57 per cent win rate, his tenure ended after poor results and internal friction. These are two of his most recent high-profile roles, both ending before the completion of his contract.
Now he is walking into a job at Tottenham, who, let’s face it, are not the most ambitious of establishments, with an alleged five-year contract on offer.
The writing does seem to be on the wall, doesn’t it? Reports suggest that long-term planning has been discussed by both parties, so perhaps that reduces the likelihood of a parting of ways.
Roberto De Zerbi managerial record
Tottenham decision ends Mauricio Pochettino return hopes
The appointment of Roberto De Zerbi also brings an end to the dream of a Mauricio Pochettino reunion that many fans had long craved.
The former Spurs manager was in the mix, at least for a potential summer return, due to his commitment to the United States national team.
Now, such a move appears off the table with De Zerbi expected to take charge long-term. Pochettino has since confirmed that he was not approached by Spurs during this managerial search.
Poch has also been vocal about wanting to return to north London to complete his unfinished business. Any such reunion will now have to wait, but for how long remains unclear, especially with Real Madrid and Manchester United also interested.
Tottenham must now hope De Zerbi is the man to take them forward and end what has been a disappointing period since Pochettino’s departure.
