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Roberto De Zerbi has made it clear what the Tottenham Hotspur job means to him ahead of his first game in charge of the North London club.

Roberto De Zerbi has accepted the Tottenham job even though the Lilywhites find themselves mired deep in relegation trouble.

What is even more surprising is that there is no release clause in the Italian’s five-and-a-half-year contract.

De Zerbi has vowed to stay in charge of the club even if they are in the Championship next season, although that outcome is something he will be desperate to avoid.

Roberto De Zerbi is ready for the biggest challenge of his career at Tottenham

The Tottenham Hotspur boss will have had 10 days to prepare for the Sunderland clash, and he will hope for an instant reaction from his side when they take to the field at the Stadium of Light.

De Zerbi is certainly not short of motivation ahead of the challenge, describing it as the most important of his managerial career so far.

The new Spurs boss told the club’s official website: “Many times, I said that football is my life and my life is football, but it’s true, because football is my work.

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“I respect football because football gave me everything. For me, it’s not a real work, it’s a passion. If I stay at home, I watch football. If I work, I watch football and nothing changes – stay at home or be a coach.

“For me, Tottenham, especially in this moment, is maybe the most important challenge in my career. I’m ready to start this challenge and I want to work with my characteristics, with my passion, with my vision of football and with my technologies as well.”

De Zerbi has made a strong impression on the Spurs squad

Even ahead of the Italian’s arrival, reports in the British press suggested that the Tottenham squad was excited about working with De Zerbi.

It emerged a few days ago that some Tottenham players had raved about De Zerbi to their friends after their first few training sessions under the 46-year-old.

Spurs fans will be hoping that the former Brighton boss’s arrival injects energy into a set of players who have looked defeated at times this season on the pitch.

Tottenham Hotspur have begun their efforts to bring a new number one through the door this summer, amid rumours of a Guglielmo Vicario exit.

It has been widely reported over recent weeks that Guglielmo Vicario wants to return to Serie A this summer.

On Tuesday, it was confirmed by Fabrizio Romano himself that Vicario is expected to leave Tottenham this summer, with the goalkeeper revealed to have held positive talks with Inter Milan.

The Lilywhites have now reportedly set their sights on a young English goalkeeper to replace the Italian.

Newcastle United lead Tottenham in race for James Trafford

It has been widely reported over recent months that Man City’s James Trafford is on Tottenham’s summer wishlist.

This has now been backed by The Sun, who say that Spurs are monitoring the Man City man as they look to replace their number one.

It is revealed that the Lilywhites may press forward with a move for the 23-year-old if he is allowed to leave Man City.

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However, the outlet reveals that it is Newcastle who are ‘in the driving seat’ to land Trafford if he becomes available this summer.

The Magpies came extremely close to landing the England international from Burnley last summer before City agreed a £27m deal, and Eddie Howe’s men are ready to pounce should the goalkeeper become available this summer.

Another Premier League club also leading Spurs in Trafford race

The Sun say that Aston Villa could also make a move for the former Burnley goalkeeper if Emi Martinez leaves Villa Park this summer.

This follows a report from Football Insider back in February, which claimed that Trafford would prefer to join Unai Emery’s side over Tottenham this summer.

With Spurs set to have no European football this season, they may find it extremely challenging to beat the likes of Villa to the City star’s signature.

Tottenham Hotspur’s new era under Roberto De Zerbi continues to take shape, but not all Spurs fans are happy with the latest coaching announcements.

A new era has now begun at Tottenham Hotspur, with Roberto De Zerbi at the helm after signing a five-year contract with Spurs, making him the third managerial appointment this season.

The former Brighton manager has come in with a focus on avoiding relegation in the final seven games of the season, as Tottenham remain just a single point above the drop zone.

To do so, De Zerbi is expected to get all the help he can, and Tottenham have now confirmed the recent arrival of the Italian’s coaching staff, a few weeks after his appointment.

Tottenham’s coaching staff confirmed as Sandro’s absence sparks fan reaction

Joining De Zerbi are Marcattilio Marcattilii and Marcello Quinto, who come in as first-team fitness coach and senior professional development phase coach, respectively.

The duo will now join the other members of the Italian’s backroom staff, including Bruno Saltor (assistant coach), Andreas Georgson (assistant coach), Cameron Campbell (individual development coach) and Fabian Otte (goalkeeping coach). They will continue to be supported by Stuart Lewis and Dean Brill.

Many Tottenham fans have now shared their reaction to the new members of De Zerbi’s coaching team, with many supporters wondering where former player Sandro is.

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There was a feeling that Sandro could be among those handed a role under De Zerbi, but he has missed out.

Reacting to that, one fan questioned his absence, saying: “Where are Sandro and Nesta??” Another added: “No Sandro?” Given that it is just two members of De Zerbi’s backroom team that have been confirmed, with the rest carried over from the previous regime, one fan stated: “Let Frank bring in his army but not De Zerbi.”

Another added: “Haven’t hired his trusted assistant WTAF?” Calls for Sandro kept coming, with one supporter saying: “No Sandro. It is fine. We will just cry a little.”

Roberto De Zerbi’s coaching staff takes shape without Sandro

Many Tottenham fans will certainly have been hoping to see Sandro included in Roberto De Zerbi’s coaching team.

The Brazilian has been a big admirer of the former Brighton manager, with Sandro openly stating that Tottenham players will enjoy working with De Zerbi.

When the Brazilian was asked about whether he would be part of the Italian’s backroom team before the official announcement of the new Spurs boss coaching staff, he did not rule it out, instead hinting that it could be possible in the future.

He said, “I think you guys will find out in the future.” But with Sandro now missing out, it remains to be seen if he will be included at a later time, perhaps before next season.

Tottenham Hotspur head into a defining stage of their season, with their trip to Sunderland carrying major consequences at both ends of the table. Here’s how to watch the clash between Tottenham and the Black Cats.

It is the Premier League run-in, where every single point counts, and for Tottenham Hotspur, they must secure as many victories as possible if they are to avoid relegation.

The clash against Sunderland comes at a pivotal moment, where victory or defeat could have drastic outcomes in the race for survival.

Should Spurs lose, they could find themselves in the relegation zone for the first time this season if West Ham United beats Wolverhampton Wanderers.

However, Tottenham could also end the gameweek as high as 15th with a victory, and defeats for both Nottingham Forest and Leeds United.

De Zerbi will no doubt want the latter as he begins life in the Spurs dugout.

When and where Sunderland vs Tottenham takes place

Tottenham will take on Sunderland on Sunday, 12 April 2026 at the Stadium of Light, with kick-off scheduled for 14:00 (UK time).

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How to watch Sunderland vs Tottenham live on TV

Supporters in the United Kingdom can watch Sunderland vs Tottenham live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Ultra HDR.

Spurs and Sunderland team news ahead of Premier League clash

Spurs will head into this encounter without several first-team stars. James Maddison, Ben Davies, Dejan Kulusevski, Wilson Odobert, Yves Bissouma and Rodrigo Bentancur remain unavailable.

It remains touch and go with Mohammed Kudus, who is a doubt but could feature from the bench. Pape Matar Sarr has a slight knock, which he picked up while on international duty with Senegal.

As for Sunderland, Daniel Ballard is doubtful with a hamstring injury, while Robin Roefs is also a doubt with a hamstring issue.

Nilson Angulo is sidelined with a muscle injury, Bertrand Traore is out with a knee injury, Romaine Mundle is unavailable with a hamstring problem, and Jocelin Ta Bi is dealing with a knock.

Spurs look to avoid slow start under Roberto De Zerbi

Many Tottenham fans will be hoping De Zerbi gets off to a winning start in north London. But when you look at his first season at Brighton, he struggled in the opening five games.

A similar record will not bode well for Spurs, who need to create daylight between themselves and the drop zone.

However, De Zerbi arrives at Tottenham as a more experienced manager, which could lead to a better start than at Brighton. He could nick a win, but we expect the points to be shared.

Amidst all the speculation over Cristian Romero’s future, a report from Spain has claimed that Tottenham Hotspur have already made interested clubs aware of their asking price for the centre-back.

Speaking to the Argentine media, Romero admitted things have been difficult for him at Tottenham this season, with the Spurs captain looking a shadow of his usual self as part of a leaky defence.

The Tottenham defender is reportedly on the radar of many big clubs around Europe, with his future at N17 appearing uncertain even if the club avoid relegation.

In fact, the centre-back’s father himself declared a few days ago that Romero has a Spurs release clause of around $50-$70m (£37.8m-£53m) this summer.

Atletico Madrid are aware of Tottenham’s asking price for Cristian Romero

It has now been revealed by Fichajes that Atletico Madrid’s persistent interest in the Tottenham captain is being driven by Diego Simeone.

The Argentine coach sees Romero as someone who ‘fits in perfectly’ in his set-up, due to his aggression, character and top-level experience.

The report reveals that Tottenham have made it clear to the La Liga club that they would not let the centre-back leave unless their asking price is met.

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The North Londoners want €50m (£43.5m) for Romero and are not willing to negotiate, with the Premier League side keen on recouping the fee they paid for the centre-back five years ago.

Atletico do not want to rush into Romero decision

Fichajes explains that Tottenham’s asking price represents a ‘considerable financial effort’ for Atletico, who do not want to rush into any such high-cost operation.

The Colchoneros are thus working on ‘different scenarios’ and are open to the possibility of more affordable alternatives becoming available.

Despite Simeone’s desire to unite with Romero at the Spanish capital, a move for the Spurs man from Atletico will depend on how the market evolves over the coming weeks and months.

Tottenham supporters have reacted to fresh footage emerging from the training ground, with concerns raised over James Maddison’s recovery.

Just like it was for most of last season, Tottenham Hotspur are once again managing an injury crisis in the final part of the 25-26 campaign.

At some point this term, a whopping 13 Spurs players were sidelined and unavailable for selection, but the numbers have improved lately.

At the moment, at least nine players are a doubt for Spurs’ encounter with Sunderland at the weekend, a clash they desperately need to win if they are to stay above the relegation places.

But that number could reduce further, as we await an update on the fitness of Pape Matar Sarr, Mohammed Kudus and Guglielmo Vicario from new boss Roberto De Zerbi.

Kudus was only recently spotted in training, but it remains to be seen if he is fit enough to feature on Sunday.

While a few players are returning from injury, several others are working on rehabilitation, including James Maddison.

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Recent footage on social media showed the Spurs midfielder doing some leg work in the gym as he continues his recovery after suffering an ACL injury in pre-season.

However, there was a noticeable difference in Maddison’s legs, and that has now sparked a reaction from Tottenham fans on social media.

Commenting on the visible imbalance, one fan pointed out the concern, saying: “If this is a recent piece of footage it is going to be a bit longer… the difference in his legs tells you that.”

Another added: “Injuries hurt players more than we can tell. You could see James Maddison has lost a lot of weight, especially in his leg muscles. When he is fit, he is a joy to watch. I wish him a speedy return to the pitch.”

One more stated: “Looking at that, it is going to be a while still. Poor guy.” Another added: “Difference in leg size is crazy,” while one supporter questioned: “Something wrong with his legs??”

Another Tottenham fan claimed the phenemenon is called ‘muscle wastage’ since Maddison’s injured leg has been out of use for so long.

Spurs face James Maddison wait as return timeline emerges

While Maddison continues to put the work in to return to full fitness, recent reports have ruled him out from featuring again this season.

It is understood that June is the most likely return date for Maddison, who has since returned to the training pitches after several months out.

The 29-year-old midfielder, however, will be hoping that when he makes his return, it will be in the Premier League as Spurs continue their fight to avoid relegation.

Tottenham Hotspur have made a big decision on Will Lankshear ahead of next season as Championship clubs show interest in the centre-forward.

It has not all been smooth sailing for Lankshear at Oxford United this season, but the youngster has been playing regularly of late and showcasing his quality in the final third.

The on-loan Tottenham youngster has found the back of the net 10 times this season, as he aims to ensure that Oxford retain their Championship status.

The Lilywhites have now made a big decision on the 20-year-old, whose performances have caught the eye of a few second-tier clubs.

Tottenham want Will Lankshear to say if they get relegated

SportsBoom claim that Spurs have been impressed by the centre-forward’s displays at Oxford and have decided that they will not let him leave on loan in the summer if they get relegated.

If Tottenham do go down for the first time in 48 years, they want Lankshear to stake a claim for a first-team role next season.

In light of the 20-year-old’s displays at the Kassam Stadium this term, the North London club’s decision-makers are convinced that the striker could help the club bounce straight back up.

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Spurs are ready to scrap plans to send Lankshear out on loan again if Roberto De Zerbi fails to keep them up.

Spurs have already rejected offers for Lankshear

It was reported by Football Insider last month that Middlesbrough are were willing to sanction a loan-to-buy deal worth around £15m for Lankshear.

The outlet claimed that Ipswich Town were also ready to challenge Boro for the young striker’s signature.

However, the pair’s interest was knocked back by Spurs as they are pleased with the youngster’s development this season and see him as a first-team prospect.

Tottenham Hotspur welcome Mohammed Kudus back to training ahead of Sunderland away, but fans may have to be patient.

While Tottenham are still missing a lot of players due to injury, the club’s injury situation is looking better than it has for much of the last few months.

The expectation is that Mathys Tel and Pape Sarr will be fit to take to the field against Sunderland, even though both players withdrew from international duty due to injury.

It has now emerged that Tottenham could also be boosted by the return of one of their most important attackers for their clash at the Stadium of Light.

Mohammed Kudus has returned to Tottenham training

Mohammed Kudus has been out with a hamstring injury since January, and the expectation was that the Tottenham winger would return to action later this month.

However, Football.London have now revealed that the Ghana international has been pictured in first-team training ahead of Tottenham’s trip to the North East.

That raises the possibility that De Zerbi could have Kudus to call upon as he looks to guide Tottenham to their first league win of the calendar year this Sunday.

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However, the report adds that Kudus was originally expected to miss the games against Sunderland and Brighton, so it remains to be seen whether he is thrown straight back into the squad.

Spurs fans will eagerly be awaiting to hear what the new Tottenham boss has to say about the 25-year-old’s fitness in his first press conference on Friday.

The numbers show that Spurs have desperately missed Kudus

The data suggests that it is not a coincidence that Tottenham’s form dropped off a cliff after the former West Ham player got injured.

Kudus is still near the top of the tree for many attacking metrics for Spurs this season, even though he has missed over three months of football.

He has created the third most chances of any Spurs player in the league (23), behind only Pedro Porro (37) and Xavi Simons (30). Kudus also has the joint highest successful dribbles per 90 minutes (3) and has completed 22 dribbles more than any other Tottenham player, despite being sidelined since January.

His return would certainly hugely improve Tottenham’s effectiveness in the final third and serve as a huge boost to the club’s hopes of staying up.

Roberto De Zerbi’s coaching staff at Tottenham Hotspur has now been announced, and the make-up of the Italian’s team may surprise many Spurs fans.

De Zerbi has now been working with the full Tottenham squad since the end of last week, as he gets set for his first game in charge of the club.

The Italian needs to make an immediate impact in N17, as the club could potentially find themselves in the bottom three by the time they take to the field at Sunderland.

We have seen De Zerbi himself lead the training sessions at Hotspur Way, but he will now get some assistance as his backroom staff has been confirmed.

Roberto De Zerbi’s Tottenham coaching staff looks very similar to Thomas Frank’s

Tottenham have announced that Bruno Saltor, who joined as the assistant coach when Igor Tudor arrived, will continue as De Zerbi’s number two.

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Meanwhile, Andreas Georgson also remains an assistant coach while Cameron Campbell and Fabian Otte retain their roles as individual development coach and goalkeeping coach, respectively.

All three of them arrived at Hotspur Way following Thomas Frank’s appointment last summer, and De Zerbi has chosen to continue with the trio. They will continue to be supported by Stuart Lewis and Dean Brill.

Additionally, Marcattilio Marcattilii and Marcello Quinto, who have both worked with De Zerbi in the past, have joined as the First Team Fitness Coach and Senior Professional Development Phase Coach, respectively.

Spurs fan favourite not announced as part of the staff

Some outlets suggested that former Tottenham midfielder Sandro could be part of De Zerbi’s staff at Spurs, with the Brazilian having a strong relationship with the Italian coach, having served as his captain at Benevento.

In fact, Sandro even posted cryptic messages hinting at a Tottenham return, which got some Spurs fans excited.

However, it appears as if the 37-year-old has been overlooked, although some Tottenham fans may still be hoping for a surprise late announcement about the former midfielder’s arrival.

Mohammed Kudus has arguably been Tottenham Hotspur’s best attacker this season, and the Lilywhites have dearly missed the Ghanaian.

Kudus became the first player in 14 years to move from West Ham to Tottenham last summer, and the winger made an excellent start to his Spurs career.

However, much like the rest of the side, the 25-year-old’s form dropped off during the winter, and he subsequently picked up a hamstring injury in January.

Kudus has missed three months of football, and the numbers suggest it is no coincidence that Tottenham’s form has worsened significantly in that time.

Numbers suggest Mohammed Kudus is Tottenham’s most important attacker

Despite being out of action for so long, the former West Ham still sits near the top of many attacking metrics for Tottenham in the Premier League this season.

According to FotMob, Kudus still has the most assists out of any Spurs player in the Premier League with five, and he sits second in terms of total goal contributions (7) behind Richarlison.

The winger has the third-highest average performance rating at Tottenham (6.99), only behind captain Cristian Romero and midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur, which shows he has been one of the club’s most consistent players.

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Kudus has also created the third most chances of any Spurs player in the league this season (23), with only Pedro Porro (37) and Xavi Simons (30) having created more.

The Tottenham wide-man also has the joint highest successful dribbles per 90 minutes (3) along with Mathys Tel, while Kudus wins possession 0.7 times per 90 minutes in the final third, with only Xavi (1.2) performing better in the metric.

Perhaps most worrying of all, Kudus has completed 22 dribbles more than any other Tottenham player this season, despite being out injured for months.

Roberto De Zerbi could soon be boosted by the return of Kudus

According to reports, De Zerbi is a fan of Kudus, with the Italian alleged to have tried to sign the winger in the past.

Kudus remains a big doubt for Tottenham’s clash against Sunderland, having not been spotted in training over the past few days.